The United States has warned of financial sanctions, visa restrictions and travel bans against Zambians who undermine the country’s elections. It’s an unusually strong statement, but will it set the trend for future elections?
Zambia’s democratic space has been narrowing in the past few years, following a close election in 2016 during which President Edgar Lungu was elected with a slim margin over the other main contender, Hakainde Hichilema – leader of the United Party for National Development.