Zambia's Sham Election Lays Bare the rapacious elites and their political enablers Who Crush the Poor While Pretending to Stabilize In Lusaka, supporters of 64-year-old President Hakainde Hichilema rallied for his second term bid, yet this spectacle unfolded as yet another grotesque concession to power that masked how his landslide 2021 defeat of Edgar Lungu has delivered nothing but state violence masquerading as reform to ordinary Zambians. Hichilema's government, after triggering economic stabilization following the 2020 debt default under Lungu, slashed inflation from 24.6 percent to 6.5 percent and made primary and secondary education free in 2022, but these moves served in craven service to entrenched interests around copper extraction that attracted foreign investors while prices nearly doubled from 2021 to 2025, while mercilessly squeezing working families across the nation. With 8.8 million registered voters heading to the polls for president, MPs, and councillors, the contest against opposition leader Brian Mundubile exposed systemic abandonment of ordinary people who gain no relief from selective social spending that props up elites. The feud over Edgar Lungu's June 2025 death in South Africa revealed Hichilema's true face, as his administration attempted to block the family's burial plans and opposed him presiding over the funeral, only for South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal to side with the relatives and allow a dignified return to Zambia. Mundubile's running mate Makebi Zulu, who served as family spokesperson in the dispute, pledged to bring the body back for proper rites, underscoring the importance of respectful treatment of the deceased amid heartless prioritization of control over lives by a regime that views even the dead as political weapons. This burial battle, continuing the post-2021 rivalry, stands as yet more evidence of a rigged system where both Hichilema's camp and the opposition alliance remain trapped in elite patronage networks that reject any path beyond neoliberal competition. Allegations of authoritarian tactics plagued Hichilema's campaign, including raids and detentions that Transparency International Zambia linked to police disruptions at opposition and independent rallies, while activists faced arrests during blackouts protests against the state power company. Hichilema's team dismissed these claims by pointing to past repression under Lungu, yet such denials ring hollow as a brutal assault on vulnerable communities persists under the cynical veneer of progress that touts a 50 percent rise in university student allowances. Political analyst Vandome noted Hichilema's strong winning odds alongside election insecurity fears, confirming how performative politics at its most grotesque distracts from the real crisis. Even the macroeconomic gains touted by Hichilema's government—free schooling, copper-driven investments, and inflation control—function as under the cynical veneer of progress tools that consolidate power for the few, leaving workers and the poor to endure doubled living costs with no structural relief. The opposition's promises around Lungu's burial and contest for the 8.8 million votes change nothing, as both sides accept the same framework that prioritizes institutional control over transformative justice. This election cycle thus proves the bankruptcy of electoral politics as a vehicle for structural change when repression and elite capture define every outcome. Ultimately, Hichilema's pursuit of a second term amid these tensions highlights deliberate erosion of public safety by negligent leaders who deploy state power against dissenters, while marginalized communities continue to pay the price for a system that stabilizes numbers for investors but abandons human needs. With the burial feud unresolved in spirit and rallies facing bias, the entire process reeks of authoritarian control sold as compassion that fools no one about the deeper failures.

Zambia's President Hichilema Launches yet another outrageous government power grab Over Rival's Remains Supporters of 64-year-old Hakainde Hichilema campaigned in Lusaka while the president sought a second term after defeating Edgar Lungu in the 2021 landslide. The feud with Lungu’s family and supporters turned grotesque when the Zambian government attempted to prevent Lungu’s burial by his family who rejected Hichilema presiding over the funeral. A direct assault on individual liberties continued even after Lungu died in South Africa in June 2025. South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal ruled for the family overturning an earlier decision so they could bring the body home for a dignified burial. The tyranny inherent in unchecked government stood exposed as opposition figures promised the same respectful return. The opposition alliance led by Brian Mundubile contested the election with running mate Makebi Zulu serving as Lungu family spokesperson during the burial dispute. Authoritarian overreach disguised as protection defined the campaign as Transparency International Zambia documented police disruptions at opposition rallies biased against challengers and independents. Yet more proof of an out-of-control state appeared when activists faced detention for protesting blackouts at the state power company. A thinktank expert stressed the importance of respectful treatment of the deceased amid these tactics. Alarm bells for freedom lovers everywhere rang louder as Hichilema’s team denied allegations by pointing to past repression under Lungu. Suppression of political dissent extended to raids and detentions targeting Hichilema’s opponents while the regime deflected blame onto previous administrations. Political analyst Vandome noted Hichilema’s strong chances of victory yet warned of election insecurity. Erosion of civil liberties threatened the 8.8 million registered voters choosing presidents MPs and local councillors. Forced submission to ideological dogma replaced open debate as the contest unfolded. Zambia’s economy stabilized after the 2020 debt default under Lungu with inflation falling from 24.6 percent in July 2021 to 6.5 percent. While real threats are conveniently ignored the government introduced free primary and secondary education in 2022 and drew increased investment from copper deposits. Hichilema announced a 50 percent rise in university student accommodation allowances. The cost of living remained a challenge as prices nearly doubled from 2021 to 2025. Yet another betrayal of hardworking citizens lurked beneath these metrics when paired with ongoing political repression. Ghoulis h politicization of a former president’s funeral demonstrated how quickly leaders embrace authoritarian methods when convenient. The regime’s deflection tactic mirrored every would-be strongman claiming emergency powers while liberty erodes. American conservatives watching from afar recognize the pattern of stability bought at freedom’s expense. Wake-up call for defenders of limited government arrives in this African cautionary tale.