Political outlook in Zambia.
On March 10, the deputy leader of the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), Geoffrey Mwamba, appeared in court on charges of training an illegal militia, which he denies. Tensions are rising ahead of presidential and legislative elections scheduled for August 11 -- the first polls to be run under amended rules established by the Constitution of Zambia Amendment Bill, signed into law on January 6.
Some media outlets may self-censor by avoiding reports critical of the PF in an attempt to avoid clampdowns by the government.
The 275-million-dollar Chinese loan for a public-sector worker housing fund, agreed in December, may bolster PF support from civil servants.
Turkish firm Karadeniz's floating power stations, docked at Mozambique's Nacala port, will help to help offset Zambia's power crisis.
