Polls have opened in Zambia’s presidential election, with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term amid growing concerns over the cost of living and the impact of his economic reforms.
Voting began at 6am local time (04:00 GMT) on Thursday and is expected to close 12 hours later, with about 8.7 million registered voters eligible to cast their ballots.
The election is widely seen as a test of whether Hichilema’s economic policies have delivered enough improvement to overcome widespread public frustration over high food and energy prices.
According to World Bank data, more than 70 per cent of Zambia’s estimated 22 million population live on less than $3 a day.
Although inflation fell to 6.8 per cent in April and the Zambian kwacha has strengthened, many households continue to struggle with rising living costs. The country’s unemployment rate is estimated at about 10 per cent.
Hichilema, 64, a businessman who won the 2021 presidential election on his sixth attempt, is campaigning on job creation, economic recovery and an ambitious infrastructure development programme as he seeks a final five-year term.
However, his administration has faced criticism over concerns about restrictions on dissent, despite its pledges to strengthen Zambia’s economic recovery.
Hichilema’s main challenger is Brian Mundubile, 55, a former minister in the Patriotic Front (PF) government that ruled Zambia from 2011 to 2021.
Mundubile is contesting under the newly formed NRPUP and is backed by an alliance of opposition parties, drawing significant support from the former ruling PF.
His entry into the presidential race in May added uncertainty to an election that had previously appeared likely to favour Hichilema.
Speaking to AFP on Wednesday, Mundubile accused the government of imposing tighter restrictions on his party’s campaign and said he did not believe the election was free and fair.
He said an opposition victory would usher in “a national reset” and reconciliation in a country he described as deeply divided.
“There’s very little development you can do with a divided country,” he said.
Zambians will also elect lawmakers to 226 parliamentary seats, an increase from the previous 156 seats.
Voting patterns in the country have traditionally followed regional lines, with Hichilema’s party enjoying stronger support in southern and western Zambia, while the PF maintains pockets of support in the northern region and the Copperbelt.
The presidential election has attracted 14 candidates, including Hichilema and Mundubile.
The winner must secure more than 50 per cent of the vote to avoid a run-off.
Results are expected to be announced by August 17.
The election is being closely watched as a measure of public confidence in Hichilema’s economic reforms and Zambia’s democratic trajectory.
