By Kuchalo Political Desk
With less than two months remaining before Zambia heads to the polls on August 13, the country’s presidential race is increasingly showing signs of narrowing into a contest between incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema and Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance candidate Brian Mundubile.
While several candidates remain in the race, recent political developments, campaign visibility and public engagement suggest that the battle for State House is gradually becoming centred around the two leading camps.
Since the close of nominations, both the UPND ticket of President Hichilema and Vice-President W.K. Mutale Nalumango and the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance team of Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu have dominated political discussions across much of the country.
Political observers note that campaign activities over the past few weeks have significantly elevated the profile of the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, placing it firmly among the major contenders challenging the ruling party’s bid for a second term.
The alliance has attracted considerable attention through a series of high-profile appearances and campaign events in different parts of the country.
Its participation in activities surrounding the funeral of the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV in Chipata generated widespread public interest, while subsequent engagements in Kitwe and Kabwe further strengthened its national visibility.
Particularly notable were rallies held in Kitwe and Kabwe, both of which attracted sizeable crowds and generated extensive discussion on social media and within political circles. The events reinforced perceptions that the alliance is gaining traction and expanding its support base beyond its traditional strongholds.
However, the key question facing the opposition alliance is whether it can maintain and build upon its current momentum as the campaign enters a more demanding phase.
Political campaigns are often won not by early excitement alone but by an organisation’s ability to sustain voter engagement, maintain visibility and effectively mobilise supporters all the way to polling day.
For the ruling UPND, the challenge remains defending its record in government while convincing voters that it deserves another mandate.
President Hichilema’s campaign continues to emphasise economic recovery, infrastructure development, debt restructuring achievements and social sector investments made during his administration.
Meanwhile, the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance is positioning itself as the principal alternative to the current administration, seeking to capitalise on public concerns regarding the cost of living, unemployment and other socio-economic challenges affecting households.
The campaign period has also been marked by disputes over political violence and concerns regarding the treatment of opposition figures by law enforcement agencies. Such issues are likely to remain part of the national conversation as election day draws closer.
Despite the growing focus on Hichilema and Mundubile, other presidential candidates continue to play an important role in shaping the political landscape.
Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba, Socialist Party president Dr. Fred M’membe and Zambia Must Prosper leader Kelvin Fube Bwalya remain active participants whose campaigns could influence voter behaviour in key constituencies.
Nevertheless, current trends suggest that much of the national attention is increasingly focused on the contest between the incumbent President and the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance challenger.
History has shown that large campaign crowds do not always translate into electoral victory. Zambia’s previous elections have repeatedly demonstrated that voter turnout, campaign organisation, candidate appeal and local dynamics often play a decisive role beyond what is visible at rallies.
For that reason, the significance of recent political gatherings lies not merely in attendance figures but in what they reveal about voter enthusiasm, public sentiment and the ability of competing parties to sustain momentum.
As the election campaign enters its decisive stretch, the coming weeks will provide a clearer indication of whether the emerging narrative of a two-horse race will endure.
For now, however, the political spotlight appears increasingly fixed on President Hakainde Hichilema and Brian Mundubile as the two figures commanding the greatest attention in Zambia’s race for State House.
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Hakainde Hichilema and Brian Mundubile
