Zambian elections

A ghost hangs over Zambian elections: The dead ex-president

Former president Edgar Lungu died more than a year ago, but his body still plays a major role in Thursday's election. The BBC reports.

When incumbent president Hakainde Hichilema won a landslide victory in the 2021 presidential election, he defeated Lungu. Many believed that Hichilema would win comfortably in this year's election, but Lungu's death in June last year changed the game.

The family of the late president does not want his rival Hakainde Hichilema to have anything to do with the funeral, which is why they are waiting for a change of power. The body has therefore not yet been buried and the battle has become a potent political symbol.

Voters have mobilized for the leading opposition party NRPUP, which is believed to have the best chance of challenging for power. The election looks set to be the most unpredictable in many years.

President pleads for more time: “Love you so much”

A deep debt crisis plagued Zambia when Hakainde Hichilema took over as president five years ago. Since then, inflation has fallen, loans have decreased, credit ratings have been raised, growth has increased and the currency has strengthened.

But the big problem for Hichilema is that ordinary people have not felt the clear improvement, AP and The Conversation write. Food and energy prices remain high, while wages have not kept up.

The presidential election is held on Thursday. During the election campaign, Hichilema promised to create new jobs and build schools, hospitals and roads.

“We love you so much, and that is why we are working around the clock to lower the cost of living,” he said.