Thousands flock to Zambian President’s rally before election
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s final campaign rally before the election on August 13th received tens of thousands of attendees, Africanews and agencies report on August 12th.
Hichilema – who is running for a second 5 year term – was met with supporters dressed in red and waving the flag of his party, the United Party for National Development (UPND).
The rally took place in a region south of Lusaka that used to be a stronghold of opposition parties.
Voters were called on to support Hichilema in the election and were asked by the incumbent president if they’d “agreed to vote for the UNPD”. Many supporters said the current government had brought political stability to Zambia.
UNPD supporter Brian Mpande said “for the first time in my life I have experienced peace”. He also added that he prioritised a peaceful stability over finances.
Major issues swaying voters are their concerns over employment and the increasing cost of living in the country. The current president has received praise for lowering Zambia’s debt and spurring economic growth – predicted to be 5 percent in 2026.
However, his critics have said that despite the economy’s growth, living conditions for ordinary people have not significantly improved.
According to Zambia’s national statistics agency the unemployment rate is nearly 10 percent. Given Kangwa, a flour-mill worker said his pay is “barely enough to cover food [and] rent” in an interview with the BBC.
At Hichilema’s rally jobs were demanded by volunteer nurses and teachers. The president responded by highlighting his first term’s achievement of making education free.
A 29 year old voter Anna Chewa and UPND supporter said she will vote for Hichilema “because of free education” as her “children are now going to school”.
Brian Mundubile, the candidate who is the main challenger to the 64 year old president has accused him of arresting opposition figures and silencing journalists critical of the government. He alleges that three opposition figures may have been detained as their whereabouts are unknown.
Mundubile said the “election must not be conducted under fear”. Hichilema agrees with this sentiment by framing the election as a choice between returning to “old habits” of violence or continuing on with his administration.
Mundubile entered the presidential race in May 2026 and has quickly built a nationwide campaign with the support of smaller opposition groups to form the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) party.
He says he was forced to move most of his campaigning online after tear gas was used on supporters by police after violent clashes occurred at his early rallies.
Maghrebi.org, Africanews and agencies, BBC
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