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

Zambia will hold its election on 13 August 2026, and the contest is unfolding between two alliances. The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is supported by 15 smaller parties, while the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, headed by Brian Mundubile, features a coalition of smaller political parties without parliamentary representation. Mundubile, a former member of the Patriotic Front, aims to distance himself from the previous ruling party during his first campaign.

The election has become more competitive than expected, with 14 candidates vying for the presidency, unlike previous contests where only one party name was recognizable. Mundubile, who only formally announced his candidacy in May, needs to establish a strong presence quickly without the established party recognition of his predecessors.

Economic issues dominate voter concerns. Despite some satisfaction with government policies, the high cost of living and expectations of economic improvements remain key election factors. Following a debt default in 2020, Zambia's economic situation has improved under the UPND government, including a successful debt restructuring in 2024 and a stable foreign currency credit rating in 2025.

However, the benefits of economic recovery have yet to reach households, with the cost of living increasing by 43% between 2021 and 2026.

While the UPND government pursued anti-corruption measures and the Access to Information Act, their overall record on corruption remains mixed. Other electoral reforms, such as the introduction of proportional representation seats, have not sufficiently addressed constitutional centralisation concerns. Opposition parties allege state interference in the electoral process, citing allegations of using state institutions to obstruct opposition registration.