The Economist Intelligence Unit ( EIU) has said that it expects Zambia’s ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF), led by President Edgar Lungu, to remain in power during the period of 2021-26.
In its latest Country report forecast of March 2021 on Zambia, the EIU made the forecast stating that despite tough economic, political and social challenges, President Edgar Lungu and the ruling Patriotic Front, will score an electoral victory in August 2021 General elections, over its main rival, the Opposition, United Party for National Development ( UPND).
It stated that Zambia’s on-going economic recession, initially sparked by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and later aggravated by a formal default on Zambia’s sovereign debt to its Eurobond holders in mid-November 2020, represents a challenge to the survival of the
increasingly embattled government.
The EIU is the world leader in business and political intelligence. It is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The Economist newspaper. It was created in 1946 and has over 70 years’ experience in helping businesses, financial firms and governments navigate the ever-changing global landscape.
It also gives economic and geo-political insights guiding the world’s organisations.
The EIU has a portfolio of clients globally and helps them accurate and credible analysis to help them navigate the increasingly complex global environment.
It also analyses political and economic developments, forecasts economic trends, and understand country specific regulations and business practices.
Lungu & PF remaining in power for 2021-2026 means the total death of Zambia’s badly limping economy.Change of current GRZ is badly needed.
AND SO SAY NONE OF US !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really really hope they’re totally wrong.
If a large section of Zambians vote for ECL & PF,then they’ll continue to lead. Whatever we say after that won’t matter because the time to change things will be dead and gone. We wait another 5 years.
Lungu can not win any free and fair election……..
The militarised PF police and PF cader violence and a scam electoral register will make sure lungu stays in power……
They also predicted Trump’s winning in 2020 USA elections at the start of the year. They changed their prediction a few days before the election hahahahahaha
Of course they want PF to win because, a bad economy for Zambia means, the EuroBond holders (their masters and sponsors) make a killing on us. The current state of affairs is giving their masters a hefty interest rate. So for them, PF losing means them losing as well. And they would want us to default so they can have a right to grab some of our assets. Smell the beans?
EIU has its own opinion which they can keep to themselves. We Zambians on the ground know where it’s hurting. Come August 12 we will vote wisely. If ECL steals the Vote hell will break loose. EIU should not play with the lives of Zambians. Another 5 years of ECL and PF Corrupt and Visionless Rule is unthinkable and not viable. The writing is on the wall.
I have been doing political strategy for majority of my life. As an experienced specialist I have on numerous times told you that our humble leader and pf are winning. The arrogant tribal mafias have insulted me over this. This includes those g0rillas the upnd diasporans. Well hopefully as this message is coming from their western masters, they will listen.
Hh is just wasting your time and life.
If the EIU has already predicated that PF and ECL will clearly win the forthcoming general elections and rule 2021-2026 then what is the point holding an election that some one has already won? Being respected the EIU and its over 70 years global experience in making assessments then its a deal done for PF all they are trying to do is a formality. What is the position of the opposition on this matter because we don’t want to hear cries on the roofs of the concourt after elections. Time to act is now and never say you were not forewarned.
Under 5 supporters have repeatedly lied to themselves that there is wind of change. The usual excuses have resurfaced, scam electoral register, violence (when they have been very much at center of it and historically known for it), unfair coverage and anything they can think about.
We don’t want a Capital Hill insurrection twapapata.
It stated that Zambia’s on-going economic recession, initially sparked by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic ?????????????????
ZAMBIA IS ONE OF THE LEAST INFECTED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD AND ITS AFFECT HAS BEEN MINIMAL
SO WHAT IS ALL THIS ABOUT
UNDER 5 PF JUST LISTEN TO THE WIND CHANGE ITS BLOWING HARDER BY THE DAY
LETS JUST HOPE IT DOESNT TURN INTO A HURRICANE
Economist Intelligence Unit that lacks economic intelligence even with debts of $27 billion it never comments it always comes alive during campaign periods.
If this is true, then you can join Zimbabwe, u already bankrupt next is failed economy and a failed state. At this rate you wont have a currency as well…. bamwank0le
It will also make sense to remove presidential elections from now onwards. Leav elections for mps and councilor . Just let lungu rule forever till he dies. That way the country will save money and there will be meaning to the elections..
They have not taken the Chipolopolo factor into account obviously. Zambia g=have failed to qualify for the AFCON finals, worse than Malawi, Zimbabwe and little Cape Verde.
No Party in government wins elections when we do badly in football.
I sense a conspiracy. Every post that I make on this Lusaka Times either goes to moderation or is not printed at all and yet I have never insulted anyone or been rude to anyone. Meanwhile KZ write unprintables and they are there. I am beginning to think that PF own LT.
So, this is it. I am done with Lusaka Times.
Covid is now an excuse for failure. Zambia’s economy has shrinked for many years when Covid was not even there.
PF must GO.
KZ should read the full report. The full Report says ECL will rig the 2021 Elections to retain Power. EIU know that unpopular ECL cannot win free and fair Elections in Zambia in 2021. He will have to massively rig the Election to retain Power. Zambia will become ungovernable. Time will tell.
THE SAINT
HEY DONT GIVE UP NOW
OBVIUOSLY THEY PRO PF AS THATS ALL THE PUT ON HERE AND MODERATION IS THERE TILL THAT ARTICLE EXPIRES
FOR AFRICA BY AFRICANS ……. WE STILL HAVE TO LEARN DEMOCROCY
WHO KNOWS WHEN THAT WE BE
I totally agree….anyone failing to do the introspection is lying to themselves…..PF under ECL our dear president is going through make no mistake…its not that we don’t appreciate the anger propelled by mistakes made and unpopular decision by PF lead government put that aside you see that PF is and has pushed Zambia forward in terms of development any person can see….VIVA ECL VIVA PF
DOWN ECL DOWN PF
@Mzambia wa Zamani AND TIKKI
I am afraid you tick wrong boxes.
WHICH ECONOMY IS PERFORMING?
Can you imagine if Zambia becomes another Zimbabwe. The wealthy and well to do will live comfortably.
The majority of the Indians have dual passports, they will flee just like the Indians in Zimbabwe who fled to UK/ Canada/Australia. These Indians have invested in properties so for them it won’t be an issue.
As many blacks have also left are in possession of dual passports and at least they have a fall back to live in a country where basic education for thier children/health and food is available.
Unlike the majority what about them. They will suffer more and more. For a moment look at the health sector in Zimbabwe it will make you cry. Imagine your children, family members have no medication and it translates to death.
This corrupt government don’t care but to enrich for…
Winning a rigged election is one thing, staying in power is another.
This is Africa. See what is happening in Mali, Senegal etc. today.
Also look at Ivory Coast which was the most stable nation in West Africa during the 70’s ,80’s and 90’s.A result of a disputed election, civil war started that has lasted for over 10 years. The nation is still divided and unstable.
@MWANSA KAPEYA
IS ZAMBIA’S ECONOMY THRIVING I SAY NOT
ALL THE SPENDING GOING IN TOWARDS THE ELECTIONS DOES NOT REFLECT THE OUTLOOK OF THE ECONOMY
LEAVING THE ONLY THING THRIVING IS OUR NATIONAL DEBT
HH and his supporters never believed us. Now, the experts at the economist intelligence unit saying the same.
Take any surveys, polls, etc. the majority of Zambians will choose President Lungu as the best leader for this nation.
Hichilema did nothing for the country. Then why should we vote for him?
No one, I repeat no one has said so far that President Lungu is not a popular leader of Zambia.
President Lungu has earned the trust by working hard. We are not going to trust any lies spread in Zambia that are created to defame the character of the President.
We have witnessed tremendous development across the country under the government of President Lungu. And, no one can deny this fact!
Mr. Lungu is a lifesaver for millions of Zambians. Through his skills and positive approach, the country is able to drop the ratio of the Covid-19 cases. Or else, our situation would be worse as compared with other African countries.
President Edgar Lungu to get maximum votes on August 12, elections. Period!!!!!
All the experts’ views are the same, President Lungu is the best.
Yes… HH will be ignored in the upcoming elections as well like always. ????
With a stangling US$27 Billion debt Zambians will be doomed . Divide that amount with the current population and you will see how much dollars One Zambian owes the Lenders.
THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BLOGGERS ON LT IS THAT MORE THAN 95% LIVE OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY. IT WOULD BE VERY SCARY IF THEY WERE RESIDING IN ZAMBIA. THIS IS BECAUSE BECAUSE THESE CHAPS COULD HAND THE COUNTRY TO THE WORST POTENTIAL DICTATOR AFRICA IS YET TO WITNESS. UMUNTU EVEN IN HIS OWN TRIBAL PARTY PRACTICES TRIBALISM AND DICTATORSHIP AND YOU WANT TO MAKE HIM PRACTICE ALL THESE ON A STATE LEVEL WITH ALL INSTRUMENTS OF POWER?
@TrustChange. Indeed, smell the beans but what beans you are smelling?
The EIU did NOT predict Trump to win, they correctly forecast Biden.
As for the assertion that EIU analysts (a highly respected group) are somehow motivated by personal stake in EuroBond yields and are so terribly corrupt (like some in Zambia?) that they would jeopardize their careers and institutional reputation by making up data for selfish reasons, please do check what “beans” you are smelling.
Very likely, but the future will be worse than Zimbabwe.
@ Mzambia wa Zamani
@ TIKKI
From your postings, it is clear you have not traveled to access other economies.
This EIU also predicted RB would beat SATA in 2011
It’s Musevenization of Zambia. The Economist knows that in African elections, the safest bet is that the incumbent will be retained. It’s the bet that turns out right most often. In fact Edgar Lungu will remain in power for the next 10 or more years.
ECL can only retai Power in 2021 illegally and unconstitutionally becoz he is ineligible. ECL got elected and sworn in 2015 for a Term of 18 Months. If he was elected for a Term of 5 years why did he dissolve himself and Parliament in 2016? At the time of Sata’s death ECL was not a VP so how could he complete Sata’s 5year Term? In 2015 ECL was elected and sworn in for an 18 months Term of Office in terms of the 1996 Republican Constitution. In 2016 ECL was elected for his second Term so he cannot be elected for a Third Term in 2021. If ECL imposes himself on Zambians thru an illegal and unconstitutional Third Term then Zambians will deal with that Crisis. The writing is on the wall.
The full EIU Report says ECL can’t win the 2021 Elections thru a Popular vote so to retain Power ECL will have to rig the Election. It is impossible for the unpopular ECL to garner 50%+1 Vote. A Presidential Run Off Election will be disastrous for ECL so he will rig the Election the First Round. ECL is already rigging the Election thru a flawed Voters Roll. ECL will use the rushed Cyber Law to help him stop the Opposition from Campaigning. ECL around August 12 will close the Internet and Social Media to rig the Vote, Vote Counting and the Announcing of Election Results. ECL hopes that the State Captured Concourt will endorse him for a Third Term even if it is illegal and unconstitutional. Clearly with all these Election Rigging Schemes the 2021 Elections will be violent, Rigged and…