Zambia heads to polls as Hichilema seeks second term

Zambians cast their ballots on Thursday in a general election that is widely expected to hand President Hakainde Hichilema a second term, even as public frustration over the rising cost of living threatens to erode his support.

Hichilema, who has led the southern African copper producer since 2021, is campaigning on his economic record. He steered the country through a debt restructuring and a rebound after Zambia defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020.

His principal challenger is Brian Mundubile, a veteran parliamentarian making his first presidential bid. Mundubile leads an opposition alliance backed by supporters of the late former president Edgar Lungu.

Voting is taking place simultaneously for presidential, parliamentary and local government seats. A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a run-off between the top two contenders.

Analysts note that the opposition's chances are hampered by internal divisions. In several constituencies, candidates from Mundubile's party and those from his running-mate's party are competing against each other, splitting the anti-incumbent vote.

"One of the serious weaknesses in the opposition camp is that it is splintered," said historian and analyst Euston Chiputa.

Investors largely expect Hichilema to win, with the key question being whether he can translate the post-default macroeconomic recovery into job-creating growth in a second term. Many Zambians say that despite improved economic indicators and inflation falling to its lowest level in years, the benefits have not yet reached their daily lives.

The run-up to the vote has also been marked by allegations of political repression in the country of 22 million people, which the government denies. Freedom House rates Zambia as "partly free," noting that opposition parties face "onerous legal and practical obstacles to fair competition."

Political science lecturer Lee Habasonda said the opposition retains support in Lusaka and Copperbelt Province, which hold large numbers of registered voters. "If the opposition had rallied behind one candidate earlier, this would have been one of the toughest elections for the ruling party," he said.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. local time. Results are scheduled to be announced on Monday, according to the Electoral Commission. If a run-off is required, it must be held within 37 days of the first round.