Zambia Elections 2026: Lungu's Ghost Haunts Hichilema's Re-election 2026

The Zambia elections of 2026 are being overshadowed by the ghost of former President Edgar Lungu, whose death and burial dispute have become central to the political battle between incumbent Hakainde Hichilema and opposition leader Brian Mundubile. As Zambians head to the polls, the unresolved feud between Hichilema and Lungu's family is reshaping the campaign, raising questions about respect, authoritarianism, and democratic stability in the southern African nation.

Background: The Hichilema-Lungu Rivalry

Hakainde Hichilema, 64, won a landslide victory in 2021 over his long-time rival Edgar Lungu, ending a bitter political rivalry that had defined Zambian politics for years. However, the feud did not end with Lungu's defeat. After Lungu died in South Africa in June 2025, the Zambian government attempted to block his burial by his family, who rejected a state funeral presided over by Hichilema. In June, South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Lungu's family, overturning a lower court decision that had backed the government.

This dispute has turned Lungu's death into a political flashpoint. The Tonse Alliance, led by Brian Mundubile, a former chief whip under Lungu, has made bringing Lungu's body back to Zambia for a dignified burial a central campaign promise. His running mate, Makebi Zulu, served as the Lungu family's spokesperson during the burial row, further intertwining the opposition campaign with the late president's legacy.

The Political Impact of the Burial Dispute

The way death is handled holds deep cultural significance in Zambia, and the controversy has damaged Hichilema's image. According to Christopher Vandome, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, even Hichilema's supporters expect due respect for the deceased. "When it appears things get messy, it just makes the incumbent look disrespectful," he said. This perception could alienate voters who might otherwise support Hichilema on economic or development issues.

The opposition has also accused Hichilema of deploying authoritarian tactics during the campaign, including raiding Tonse Alliance offices and detaining 36 members of Mundubile's team. Hichilema's team denies these claims, pointing to Lungu's treatment of Hichilema in 2021, when the opposition leader was arrested 15 times, private media outlets were shut down, and the internet was switched off on election day. This exchange highlights the deep mistrust between the two camps.

Key Issues at Stake in the 2026 Election

Beyond the burial dispute, the election is being fought over critical issues such as economic recovery, debt restructuring, and democratic governance. Zambia has struggled with high inflation, unemployment, and a massive debt burden since 2020. Hichilema's government has made progress on debt restructuring but faces criticism over the cost-of-living crisis. The Tonse Alliance promises a fresh start, but its focus on Lungu's burial raises questions about its policy agenda.

What This Means for Zambia's Future

The election is a test of Zambia's democratic resilience. The opposition's use of Lungu's death as a rallying cry could mobilize voters who feel disenfranchised, while Hichilema's camp hopes to focus on his development record. However, the bitter tone of the campaign risks deepening divisions in a country that has historically been a beacon of stability in Africa.

International observers are watching closely. The African Union and the Southern African Development Community have called for calm and transparency. The outcome will likely hinge on voter turnout and the ability of both sides to appeal beyond their core bases.

Key Takeaways

• The burial dispute has become a major political issue, affecting Hichilema's popularity.
• The Tonse Alliance is leveraging Lungu's legacy to gain support.
• Economic issues remain critical, but the campaign is dominated by the feud.
• Zambia's democratic institutions face a stress test in this election.

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