Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term in the country's August 13 general election, pointing to falling inflation — its lowest in eight years — and IMF projections of 4.3% economic growth as evidence of a turnaround since he took office in 2021. The recovery has been driven by high copper prices, restructured debt, and increased foreign investment. However, opposition candidate Brian Mundubile and civil society groups are raising concerns about persistent poverty (over 70% of Zambians still live in poverty, according to the World Bank), a controversial 2025 cybercrime law critics say threatens free speech, and alleged police disruption of opposition campaign events.