Lusaka, Zambia (CU)_Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the Zambia’s biggest opposition political party was officially nominated for this year’s presidential election on Wednesday (19 May). The landlocked country of rugged terrain is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 60 per cent of its population living below the poverty line. Accordingly, the country’s economic difficulties, as well as an external debt estimated at nearly €10 billion are expected to dominate this year’s presidential campaigns.
Many Zambians, who demand “change”, believe that it could only be brought by Hichilema, who will be facing incumbent President Edgar Lungu. Speaking to a gathering of supporters holding banners which read ‘Enough, we want HH’, Hichilema made several promises to the crowd. “We will make sure you don’t go hungry and that your children can go to school,” he said.
Back in 2016, HH narrowly lost in the presidential election, following which he was imprisoned for four months for treason after contesting the result.
As the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Hichilema is currently backed by several opposition parties and activists who have formed a union known as the “UPND Alliance for the Zambia We Want”. However, the ruling Patriotic Front appears to be unfazed by the opposition alliance, with Secretary General Davies Mwila claiming that President Lungu has done enough to be re-elected this year.
During a meeting with political stakeholders last week, the Electoral Commission urged for non-violent, peaceful campaigns while Commission Chairman Esau Chulu reminded politicians to minimise the number of people who gather for campaign meetings on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, President Lungu formally dissolved parliament, a move which is expected to provide a level playing field in the presidential campaigns leading up to elections which will be held in Lusaka on 12 August.
