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Significance
The deteriorating socio-economic situation is likely to hurt President Edgar Lungu politically ahead of polls next year, possibly spurring rash, populist policy moves.
Impacts
The electricity crisis could spur the IDC to accelerate investments in non-hydropower renewable energy sources such as solar plants.
Delayed civil service salary payments could provide a temporary boost to the opposition UPND among this influential constituency.
Government-CNMC tensions over mining jobs are unlikely to affect wider bilateral relations, eg over Zambia's road-building scheme.
Lungu's deteriorating health will provide fuel for criticism by opponents, both within and outside the ruling party.
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2015
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