Research Briefing | Jul 28, 2021

Zambia – August elections a pivotal moment

The Zambia national elections that will be held on August 12 is the most unpredictable election since the country’s independence. Deteriorating economic conditions have placed President Edgar Lungu in a tough position ahead of the polls. Additionally, questions about whether the elections will be free and fair raise concerns about the country’s democratic institutions.

What you will learn:

  • This is the third time that Mr Lungu will essentially go head-to-head against his main rival Hakainde Hichilema, more popularly known as ‘HH’.
  • A change in leadership would be positive for the business environment, which has become increasingly hostile under the Lungu administration.
  • A victory for Mr Hichilema could mean more business-friendly policies and an improvement in the fiscal management.
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