As Zambians head to the polls on Thursday, the legacy of former President Edgar Lungu looms large over the current election, significantly impacting President Hakainde Hichilema's bid for a second term.

Hichilema, who defeated his long-time rival Lungu by a considerable margin in the 2021 elections, finds his campaign challenged by a persistent political and familial feud that has continued even after Lungu's death in South Africa in June 2025.

The controversy surrounding Lungu's burial highlighted the depth of the animosity. The Zambian government attempted to prevent Lungu's family from proceeding with the burial arrangements, reportedly because they did not want Hichilema to preside over a state funeral. However, in June, South Africa's supreme court of appeal ruled in favor of Lungu's family, overturning a lower court's decision.

This election sees Hichilema facing the Tonse Alliance, a coalition of opposition parties led by Brian Mundubile, who served as a government chief whip under Lungu. Mundubile's running mate, Makebi Zulu, notably acted as a spokesperson for the Lungu family during the burial dispute. On the campaign trail, Mundubile and Zulu have pledged to ensure Lungu receives a dignified burial back in Zambia.

Experts note that the handling of death and burial rituals holds significant cultural importance in Zambia. Christopher Vandome, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, observed that "Even Hichilema supporters want to see due respect given to those that have died." He added that any perception of disrespect can negatively impact the incumbent, stating, "When it appears things get messy, it just makes the incumbent look disrespectful."

The shadow of Lungu's past presidency has also been invoked concerning allegations of authoritarian tactics by Hichilema's administration during the campaign. The Tonse Alliance claims Hichilema's government has engaged in repressive actions, including raiding opposition offices and detaining members of Mundubile's team. Hichilema's supporters have vehemently denied these accusations, drawing parallels to Lungu's alleged treatment of Hichilema when he was in opposition.

Supporters of Hichilema point to his administration's efforts in stabilizing the economy and improving governance since taking office in 2021. They highlight his focus on infrastructure development and attracting foreign investment as key achievements. However, the opposition continues to question his commitment to democratic principles and freedom of speech.

The ongoing dispute over Lungu's burial and the broader political tensions underscore the deep divisions within Zambian society. The outcome of the election may depend not only on Hichilema's performance but also on how effectively he can navigate the lingering influence of his predecessor and address the concerns raised by the opposition.