Zambia: Zambia Votes - Who's Who and What Issues Are Shaping the Elections?

What the report says

Zambia’s general election, set for 13 August, is emerging as a contest between two main blocs, according to The Conversation Africa, republished by AllAfrica. The governing United Party for National Development is campaigning with support from 15 smaller parties, while the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance is led by presidential newcomer Brian Mundubile with Makebi Zulu as running mate. The article says the opposition coalition includes smaller parties without parliamentary seats and remnants of the former Patriotic Front, the party voted out in 2021.

The analysis says the race has become more competitive than many expected, with 14 presidential candidates and limited party-name recognition on the ballot. It also notes that this is the first time in about 30 years that no former ruling party is represented. Mundubile’s candidacy under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity was announced only in May, leaving little time to build visibility.

The central issue for many voters is the economy. The piece says the government can point to debt restructuring, lower inflation, stronger growth forecasts and an improved credit outlook, but many households still face a high cost of living. It also cites mixed views on governance: the administration has pursued anti-corruption cases and introduced reforms such as free education and access-to-information legislation, but critics say oversight has weakened and recent constitutional and electoral changes were poorly handled.

The article further reports opposition claims of state interference in party registration and limits on rallies, which they say has narrowed political space ahead of the vote.