Nigeria, June 11 -- The death of Zambia's former president on 5 June will be pivotal for the country's multiparty democracy. Edgar Lungu was a polarising figure for the country, but one that unified the opposition Patriotic Front (PF). He was in power from 2015 to 2021, when he lost the election to President Hakainde Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND).

Mr Lungu's passing leaves a vacuum that will reshape the power contest before the 2026 general elections, testing the weakening opposition's resilience and the UPND's adaptability.

He became president through an unexpected internal party contest following former president Michael Sata's death in 2014. Perceived as a modest and unassuming figure compared to more outsp...