Zambia election: What to know about candidates, key issues and the August 13 vote

Zambia will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on August 13, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term in a race shaped by economic concerns, a fragmented opposition and the continuing political influence of former President Edgar Lungu.

About 8.8 million registered voters are expected to take part in the election, which will also determine members of the National Assembly and local government leaders. Fourteen candidates are contesting the presidency, giving Hichilema 13 challengers.

Hichilema won the presidency in 2021 after defeating Lungu and ending the Patriotic Front's (PF) rule. Five years later, he is campaigning on his government's economic record while facing a broad field of opposition candidates seeking to prevent him from securing a second term.

Hichilema is seeking re-election under the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Brian Mundubile has emerged as one of the strongest opposition contenders among the 13 candidates seeking to unseat Hichilema.

Mundubile, a former PF MP and government chief whip under Lungu, is running under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP). He has the backing of the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, a coalition of opposition parties formed to challenge Hichilema.

Other prominent opposition candidates include Socialist Party leader Fred M'membe and Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba. Independent candidate Given Katuta is the only woman among the 14 presidential candidates.

Although Lungu died in June 2025, his political legacy remains an important factor in the election campaign.

His death left the PF without its most recognisable leader and contributed to further divisions within the opposition. Former PF politicians and supporters have since aligned themselves with different political groups, with some backing Mundubile.

The dispute over Lungu's burial has also taken on political significance. More than a year after his death, his remains are still in South Africa and have yet to be buried amid a disagreement between his family and Hichilema's government.

The issue has become particularly significant in areas where Lungu and the PF traditionally enjoyed strong support. Mundubile has pledged to ensure Lungu receives a dignified burial if he wins the election.

Hichilema is campaigning on what he says his government has achieved since taking office in 2021, particularly its efforts to address Zambia's debt crisis and strengthen the economy.

His administration has restructured more than $13 billion in external debt, which it says has eased the country's debt burden and freed up resources for public spending. The government has also expanded free education, hired more teachers and health workers, and increased funding for constituency development projects.

The economy has shown signs of recovery, with copper production increasing, foreign reserves reaching higher levels and inflation falling from the peaks recorded in recent years.

Despite the improvements cited by the government, economic conditions remain a major concern for voters. Opposition parties argue that the recovery has not provided enough relief for ordinary households, with the cost of basic goods remaining high.

Electricity supply has also become a major political issue. Severe drought in 2024 and 2025 reduced hydropower generation, resulting in prolonged power cuts in parts of the country.

Lusaka has responded by increasing electricity imports and accelerating solar power projects, helping to improve supply. However, the experience of lengthy blackouts remains fresh for many households and businesses.

Zambia's presidential election uses a two-round system. A candidate must secure more than 50 per cent of the valid vote to win in the first round. If no candidate reaches the threshold, the leading candidates will face a runoff within 37 days.

Voters will also elect members of an expanded National Assembly. The number of directly elected constituency seats has increased from 156 to 226 following the creation of 70 new constituencies.

The new electoral arrangements also include proportional-representation seats aimed at increasing the number of women, young people and persons with disabilities in Parliament.