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Zambians go to the polls Thursday in a presidential election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema secures a second term or is unseated by a united opposition challenging his economic record.
Hichilema, who won the 2021 election on his sixth attempt, faces Brian Mundubile, a 55-year-old former minister who secured the backing of a coalition of opposition parties. Up to 8.7 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots.
The election comes as Zambia emerges from a sovereign default under Hichilema’s leadership.
His administration has secured a debt restructuring agreement and restored an International Monetary Fund programme, winning praise from international lenders.
But many voters say the economic benefits have yet to reach ordinary citizens.
“Worldwide there has been recognition that we are doing well but he needs to bring it home,” medical student Semi Malama, 26, told AFP.
More than 70 percent of Zambia’s population lives on less than three dollars a day, according to World Bank data. Rising food prices, unemployment and persistent poverty remain dominant concerns for voters.
Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer, and the government has set an ambitious target of tripling production by 2031. Chinese companies dominate the mining sector, underscoring Beijing’s significant economic influence in the country.
