Fourteen candidates are competing in Zambia's upcoming presidential election, with main opposition challenger Brian Mundubile seeking to unseat incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, whom Mundubile accuses of benefiting from unequal campaign conditions.
14 candidates contest Zambia presidential election, opposition challenger alleges campaign restrictions
Fourteen candidates are competing in Zambia's upcoming presidential election, with main opposition challenger Brian Mundubile seeking to unseat incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, whom Mundubile accuses of benefiting from unequal campaign conditions.
Mundubile, a former lawyer, emerged as the country's principal opposition candidate after several anti-government parties united behind him.
Hichilema won the presidency in 2021 on his sixth attempt, defeating longtime rival Edgar Lungu. He is widely expected to win a second term, according to the source.
Mundubile alleged that his campaign was denied landing rights and permits to fly, while Hichilema had access to three helicopters and could hold up to six rallies a day. Mundubile said his campaign was restricted to road travel.
Mundubile also said his passport had been withheld and his phones confiscated for the four months preceding the election.
- The source does not include any response from President Hakainde Hichilema or his UPND party to Mundubile's allegations.
- The source does not include any response from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) regarding Mundubile's claim that it failed to act against the UPND.
- The source does not include any response from Zambian police or government authorities regarding the alleged confiscation of Mundubile's passport and phones.
- The source does not state the scheduled date of the election.
- The source does not identify the other 13 presidential candidates beyond Mundubile and Hichilema.
- The source does not provide independent verification of any of Mundubile's specific claims about campaign restrictions.
Read the original at Africanews