By Venus N Msyani

With the August 13 general elections approaching, Zambia’s political climate has reached a fever pitch. President Hakainde Hichilema and Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) have emerged as the leading contenders, drawing large crowds and dominating national conversation.

Even campaign music has become part of the competition, with each camp trying to outdo the other.

Beyond the rallies and entertainment, voters face the task of assessing each candidate’s promises, priorities, and record.

President Hichilema is asking Zambians to grant him another five-year term, arguing that his administration has delivered on many of the commitments made in 2021. He acknowledges that challenges remain but says his government has laid a foundation for continued progress. According to him, a change in leadership would risk reversing gains made over the past five years.

Energy remains one of the most pressing issues. Hichilema says his government is investing in electricity generation, solar power, and other sources, promising that loadshedding will soon be eliminated.

On mining, he pledges to increase production, saying this will create jobs and business opportunities for contractors, suppliers, and communities near mining operations. He also emphasizes youth participation in the digital economy, arguing that technology and innovation can help young people create jobs and businesses.

Hichilema has made several region-specific commitments, including: A dual carriageway from Lusaka to Livingstone for Southern Province, an international airport for Western Province, upgrading Mansa Airport to international standards, and establishing a university in every province that currently lacks one.

He highlights achievements such as tripling the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), signing free education into law, restructuring national debt, and employing teachers, nurses, doctors, and police officers. He also cites the reintroduction of meal allowances and school feeding programs.

Hichilema warns that removing him from office could jeopardize gains such as free education and allowances. He frequently references cadreism and political violence before his administration, arguing that a change in leadership could return the country to those conditions.

Mundubile, meanwhile, argues that Zambia cannot afford another five years under Hichilema. Fluent in both Nyanja and Bemba, he appears to connect easily with crowds at his rallies.

He accuses Hichilema of refusing to reside in State House, saying it undermines transparency. Mundubile says that if elected, he will live there, adding that prayer would “drive demons out” if the residence is haunted.

He has pledged to declare his assets and liabilities, though he has not clarified whether this would be done publicly. Transparency has been a recurring criticism of Hichilema’s tenure, with opponents pointing to his refusal to publicly declare assets.

Mundubile also vows to eliminate cadreism and lists promises he says Hichilema has not fulfilled since 2021. He notes that Hichilema pledged to reduce mealie meal prices from around K120 per 25kg to K50, but prices have instead risen above K300.

He argues that fuel and fertilizer prices have not decreased and says farmers were promised 12 bags of fertilizer per season but have instead been sharing small buckets known as meda.

Mundubile points to the severe loadshedding experienced over the past four years despite Hichilema’s earlier promise that it would end. He says many businesses closed as a result, leaving families struggling. Loadshedding eased only months before the 2026 election, and he warns it may resume afterward.

He also criticizes Hichilema’s record on the rule of law, citing instances where individuals aligned with the ruling party were not charged for alleged offenses while others were. He argues that freedoms of expression, assembly, and movement are enjoyed primarily by UPND supporters.

Mundubile has promised to repeal cyber laws, saying Zambians should not live in fear. Quoting Hichilema’s own words, he says, “When the government fails to change the lives of the people, the people must change the government.”

He says he will maintain free education but improve its quality by reducing classroom overcrowding and providing free books, textbooks, and uniforms. Meal allowances and school feeding programs, he says, will continue.

Mundubile also promises to give mines back to the youth, equip them with tools, and introduce safe mining and environmental protection training. He says older women will be empowered through opportunities to sew and supply school uniforms. He pledges eight bags of fertilizer per farmer, declaring in Bemba, “ifi fyapwila apapene.” Meaning “this ends here.”

Promises continue to accumulate. At a rally on July 24, 2026, Hichilema announced plans for another international airport in Southern Province, to be located in Choma.

While listing every pledge is not the purpose of this article, the volume of promises underscores the importance of voters listening critically. Are the commitments realistic? Are they achievable? Why are they being made now?

Such questions may help citizens make informed decisions at the ballot box on August 13, supporting the democratic goal of free and fair choice. If objective listening is overshadowed by crowds, music, and appealing promises, voters risk making decisions based on excitement rather than ideas.

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