Zambians are heading to the polls with the lingering influence of the country's former president, Edgar Lungu, casting a long shadow over the election. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who defeated Lungu by a significant margin in 2021, is seeking a second term.

The political landscape has been significantly shaped by an ongoing feud between Hichilema and Lungu, which has persisted even after Lungu's death in South Africa in June 2025. The dispute extended to the handling of his burial, with the Zambian government attempting to prevent Lungu's family from proceeding with their plans, a move that ultimately failed after a South African court ruled in favour of the family.

This election sees Hichilema facing Brian Mundubile, a former chief whip under Lungu, who leads the Tonse Alliance opposition coalition. Mundubile's running mate, Makebi Zulu, notably acted as the Lungu family's spokesperson during the burial controversy. On the campaign trail, Mundubile and Zulu have pledged to ensure Lungu receives a dignified burial in Zambia.

Experts note the cultural significance of respecting the deceased in Zambia. "The way death is dealt with is very important in Zambia," stated Christopher Vandome, a senior research fellow at Chatham House. "Even Hichilema supporters want to see due respect given to those that have died. When it appears things get messy, it just makes the incumbent look disrespectful."

Furthermore, the opposition alliance has accused President Hichilema of employing authoritarian tactics during the campaign. These allegations include raids on their offices and the detention of 36 members of Mundubile's team. Hichilema's camp has vehemently denied these claims, drawing parallels to Lungu's past treatment of Hichilema when he was in opposition.

During the 2021 election, Hichilema faced numerous arrests, and a private television station, Prime TV, was shut down. Hichilema's supporters argue that the current allegations are exaggerated and that Zambians are familiar with true political repression, implying that Hichilema's administration does not engage in such practices.

The ongoing controversy surrounding Lungu's burial and the opposition's accusations of authoritarianism present significant challenges for Hichilema's re-election campaign. The legacy of his predecessor, coupled with the deep divisions that characterized their rivalry, continues to be a dominant factor in Zambian politics.

As voters decide the country's future leadership, the enduring impact of the Hichilema-Lungu feud highlights the deep-seated political animosities that persist, influencing electoral dynamics and public perception.