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

Zambia elections 2026 are being haunted by the ghost of incumbent president Hakainde Hichilema’s arch-rival, the late Edgar Lungu, whose unresolved burial and political legacy are dominating the campaign trail. As Zambians head to the polls, the bitter feud between Hichilema and Lungu’s family and allies has created a volatile political atmosphere, raising questions about the country’s democratic health and the incumbent’s re-election prospects.

The Burial Dispute That Refuses to Die

When Edgar Lungu died in South Africa in June 2025, few expected his burial to become a national political crisis. But the Zambian government, led by Hichilema, went to court to block Lungu’s family from burying him privately, insisting on a state funeral with Hichilema presiding. The family, who wanted a private burial, fought back, and in a landmark ruling, South Africa’s supreme court of appeal sided with them, overturning a lower court decision that had favoured the Zambian government.

This legal battle has become a rallying cry for the opposition. Brian Mundubile, 55, the Tonse Alliance’s presidential candidate and 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 cementing the alliance’s connection to the late leader’s legacy.

Why Death and Burial Matter in Zambian Politics

In Zambia, death is not just a personal matter; it is a deeply cultural and political one. “Even Hichilema supporters want to see due respect given to those that have died,” said Christopher Vandome, a senior research fellow at Chatham House. “When it appears things get messy, it just makes the incumbent look disrespectful.” This cultural sensitivity has turned the burial dispute into a potent weapon for the opposition, painting Hichilema as disrespectful and authoritarian.

Authoritarianism Allegations and Denials

The Tonse Alliance has also accused Hichilema of deploying authoritarian tactics during the campaign, including raiding their offices and detaining 36 members of Mundubile’s team. Hichilema’s camp has furiously denied these claims, pointing to Lungu’s own record of repression against Hichilema in the 2021 election. “Zambians know what repression looks like,” they argue, noting that Hichilema was arrested 15 times, private media outlets were shut down, and the internet was switched off on election day under Lungu’s watch.

This back-and-forth has created a toxic political environment, with both sides accusing the other of undermining democracy. The ghost of Lungu, both literally and figuratively, hangs over every campaign rally and debate.

Comparison of 2021 vs 2026 Election Dynamics

Key Takeaways from the Zambia Elections 2026

• The unresolved burial of Edgar Lungu has become a major political flashpoint, with the opposition using it to question Hichilema’s respect for tradition and human dignity.
• Allegations of authoritarian tactics against the Tonse Alliance could undermine Hichilema’s democratic credentials, especially given his own past as a victim of repression.
• The Tonse Alliance is banking on Lungu’s legacy to galvanize voters, promising to bring his body home and restore dignity to the office of the presidency.
• Zambia’s political future hangs in the balance as voters weigh the incumbent’s economic record against the opposition’s appeals to memory and justice.

What’s at Stake for Zambia’s Democracy

This election is more than a contest between two candidates; it is a referendum on Zambia’s democratic resilience. The ghost of Edgar Lungu has exposed deep divisions in the country, and how the election unfolds will shape the nation’s trajectory for years to come. Voters are watching closely to see whether Hichilema can rise above the fray or if the shadow of his predecessor will prove too powerful to overcome.

FAQ

As the polls open, the ghost of Edgar Lungu is not just a memory; it is a living force shaping the outcome. Whether Hichilema can exorcise that ghost or whether it will haunt him to defeat remains the central question of Zambia’s 2026 elections.

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of battery chainsaw, shoes heel spurs, crystal glass cleaner, wheelbarrow concrete, and tattoo machines. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of coconut oil oil pulling, training collar stubborn dogs, surf fishing reel, mattress arthritis, and irons. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.