Zambians vote in an election where President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term, with the campaign influenced by the unresolved political feud associated with his former arch-rival, Edgar Lungu. Hichilema, 64, first took office after defeating Lungu in the 2021 presidential election, which many reports describe as a landslide.
Multiple outlets describe the impact of the rivalry on supporters and families, with tensions continuing even after Lungu’s death in 2025. Coverage highlights how the contest remains framed by the legacy of the predecessor whom Hichilema defeated, and by lingering personal and political divisions. While reporting emphasizes the atmosphere surrounding the vote, sources differ mainly in the level of focus on the emotional portrayal of the feud versus the political continuity of Hichilema’s bid for another term.
Overall, the election is presented as both a test of Hichilema’s leadership and a continuation of the long-running contest that predates Lungu’s death, shaping campaign narratives and voter perceptions.
