Lusaka, Zambia – With Zambians heading to polls August 13,election results will measure government's economic reforms. About 8.79 million voters registered. 14 presidential candidates,including incumbent Hakainde Hichilema of United Party for National Development (UPND), and opposition's Brian Mundubile from Tonse Alliance.
Hichilema's team cites economic wins, like renegotiating Zambia's debt and completing an IMF-backed program. Inflation down to 6.8% in April, but high costs of food,fuel,electricity still hit households hard.
Many remain skeptical about actual benefits. Joan Chirwa,human rights advocate and Free Press Initiative founder,says voters question if reforms improved daily life. “Voters ask if Hichilema’s reforms have truly boosted household incomes and living conditions,” Chirwa said.
Analysts think election will turn on gap between economic recovery and ordinary Zambians' experiences. Wellington Muzengeza,independent political risk analyst, notes government can point to debt restructuring and mining investments,but voters likely judge on food prices,jobs,and public services .
Economic hardship is real for many. Ndou,political science lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, says 60% live below poverty line. They expect change . “Political parties must focus on 60% living in poverty. These are people expecting government to change their lives,” Ndou remarked.
Unemployment another big issue. Many Zambians frustrated by lack of real solutions . Ndou urges candidates to offer actionable plans that connect with voters' struggles . “Campaign promises must become action,which citizens want to see,” he stated .
Zambia's copper industry also key election issue . It makes up 70% of export earnings, over 10% of GDP. Government wants to boost copper production to 3 million tonnes. But Chirwa warns focus shouldn’t be just on output. “We can increase copper production,but is revenue reaching wider economy and making expected differences?” she asked.
Voters, especially in Copperbelt,want to know if mining wealth means secure jobs and better communities. Muzengeza agrees, saying discussion should be about mining revenue impact. “Focus should go beyond output to the mining sector’s wider impact,” he said.
Concerns about relying heavily on copper exports persist, especially around revenue distribution and regulations. Ndou calls for leaders to set proper rules to prevent exploitation,ensure Zambians benefit from resources .
Debt restructuring part of government’s economic story. Muzengeza calls it key achievement easing financial pressures,boosting Zambia’s global reputation. But he warns better debt terms don’t automatically mean better living standards . “Government has credible macroeconomic story, but Zambia’s history shows economic management must win public support,” he noted.
Zambia has democratic tradition, shifting to multiparty elections in 1991. Hichilema’s path to presidency tough, with close losses in 2015,2016,and a treason charge in 2017. He finally won in 2021 after multiple tries.
As election nears, key question remains: has economic recovery reached households quickly and fairly enough to change voter mood…
