Zambia president dumps VP in re-election bid

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu has picked a microbiologist over his vice-president as running mate in his re-election bid.

Elections are scheduled for 12 August.

President Lungu said his choice of Nkandu Luo as running mate followed "reflection and prayerful thought".

"I have no doubt that we are going to make a great team that will not only give our party the electoral victory, but, ultimately, the progress we desire for our great nation," he said in a Facebook post.

Inonge Wina has been Zambia's vice-president since 2015 and is the first woman in the country to hold the position.

The president will face 18 other challengers including his main opponent Hakainde Hichilema who has unsuccessfully contested the presidential elections five times.

Correspondents say the economy will be the most pressing issue in the elections. The country became the first African state to default on its debt during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: AFP