Zambia Votes: Hichilema Seeks Second Term Amid Economic Recovery Push

Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday in a one-day general election, with millions of registered voters set to decide whether President Hakainde Hichilema earns a second five-year term. The vote will also fill seats in Parliament and local government councils.

Hichilema, a 64-year-old former financial services executive and prominent cattle rancher, came to power in 2021 after a long political journey that included five previous electoral defeats. His administration has focused on economic stabilization, successfully restructuring over $12 billion in debt to foreign governments and private creditors after Zambia defaulted in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president's long-term economic vision includes a pledge to more than triple Zambia's copper output to 3 million metric tons annually by 2031, a move that could position the southern African nation as a major global producer of the critical mineral.

While inflation has eased and the kwacha has strengthened under Hichilema, many ordinary Zambians continue to struggle with high food and energy costs. Critics argue that macroeconomic gains have not translated into tangible benefits for the country's approximately 22 million people. The president has responded with campaign promises to build more schools, health facilities, and roads, and to create additional jobs.

His strongest challenger is expected to be Brian Mundubile, the 55-year-old leader of the Tonse Alliance. A law graduate who emerged as the alliance's leader in January after internal disputes, Mundubile has campaigned on a platform focused on youth empowerment and agricultural reform. He has promised to establish a dedicated youth desk at State House and ensure farmers are paid promptly.

Campaign rallies in Lusaka have been notably peaceful, according to supporters. Melody Manyambe, a Hichilema supporter, expressed hope for continued calm and another term for the president. Tonse Alliance supporter Andrew Zymbo echoed hopes for a fair election, noting that party agents and monitors are ready, with international observers reportedly already in the country.

However, tensions have emerged. The Tonse Alliance accused the government of orchestrating a raid on its offices on Tuesday, claiming vehicles, communication equipment, and other items were seized in what it called a politically motivated disruption of its campaign.

Zambia's presidential election requires a candidate to secure more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright, raising the possibility of a second-round runoff if no candidate achieves that threshold. The country, which gained independence from Britain in 1960, has experienced multi-party democracy since 1991 after nearly two decades of one-party rule.