Edgar Lungu

president of Zambia

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July 21, 2026

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Edgar Lungu served as the president of Zambia, winning a special election on January 20, 2015, and was sworn in on January 25. He secured his second term in the August 11, 2016, general election with 50.35% of the vote, though his victory was challenged. His administration was noted for infrastructure development, but also for a worsening economy, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, and an erosion of freedoms, including the suppression of media and opposition. Lungu lost the 2021 presidential election to Hakainde Hichilema.12

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Zambia
Zambia in the 21st century
Edgar Lungu, the PF candidate, won with 48.3 percent of the vote, just slightly more than the 46.7 percent garnered by his nearest competitor, Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Lungu was sworn in as president on January 25.
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Edgar Lungu, the PF candidate, won with 48.3 percent of the vote, just slightly more than the 46.7 percent garnered by his nearest competitor, Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Lungu was sworn in as president on January 25.
Read More