Article Summary

The article covers Zambia's upcoming election and portrays President Hichilema as a leader who has improved the economy but is increasingly accused of authoritarian behavior, such as police disruptions of opposition rallies and detaining opposition members. It highlights emotional tensions around the burial of former president Lungu and uses charged language to raise concerns about democratic backsliding, while noting that Hichilema's government points to greater political freedoms now compared to under Lungu. The piece encourages skepticism about Hichilema’s democratic commitment without dismissing his economic gains.