Zambia's presidential election on 13 August 2026 has emerged as a contest primarily between two main alliances. The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) leads a coalition supported by 15 smaller parties, while the opposition Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, headed by newcomer Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, comprises smaller parties and remnants of the former Patriotic Front (PF).

With 14 candidates vying for the presidency, this election marks the first time in three decades that no former ruling party appears on the ballot. Mundubile, leading the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, faces the challenge of building recognition quickly, having only announced his candidacy in May 2026. His campaign draws on residual support for the late former president Edgar Lungu and promises a return to decentralised patronage politics.

Economic Concerns Dominate Voter Priorities

The economy remains the foremost issue influencing voters. Despite the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy since taking office in 2021, many Zambians still grapple with high living costs. When President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office, Zambia was recovering from the first African debt default during the COVID-19 era, triggered by unsustainable borrowing under the previous PF administration.

  • Debt restructuring completed in June 2024 reduced Zambia’s debt burden by over US$900 million and extended payment timelines.
  • In November 2025, Zambia’s default status was lifted as credit ratings improved.
  • The kwacha was the world’s best-performing currency in 2025.
  • GDP growth is forecasted to exceed 4% in 2026.
  • Inflation dropped from 24.6% in 2021 to 6.5% by June 2026, the lowest since 2018.

Nevertheless, household incomes have not kept pace with rising costs. Between July 2021 and July 2026, the price of basic necessities surged by 43%, straining many families despite government programs such as cash-for-work initiatives, expanded constituency development funds, and free education.

Governance and Political Landscape

The UPND government has pursued anti-corruption measures, resulting in charges and imprisonment of several officials. However, prosecutions of implicated companies and broader corruption scandals remain limited. Legislative reforms have been mixed; while the defamation law was repealed and an Access to Information Act introduced, the controversial Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act, 2025, expanded parliament without addressing centralisation issues.

Opposition parties accuse state institutions of interference, citing obstacles in party registrations and restrictions on rallies. Several opposition leaders and journalists have faced arrests since 2021, contributing to a constrained political environment.

The Road Ahead

The election will test the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance’s capacity to mobilize support and the lingering influence of the Patriotic Front. It will also serve as a referendum on the UPND’s policies and governance record. Regardless of the outcome, Zambia is expected to witness a more robust opposition presence post-election, signaling a shift in the nation’s political dynamics.