Zambia heads to polls as Hichilema seeks second term amid economic strain

Voting opened in Zambia on Thursday in a one-day presidential election that will gauge public support for President Hakainde Hichilema's economic agenda. The vote comes against a backdrop of persistent hardship for many households.

Approximately 8 million people are registered to cast ballots in the southern African nation of 22 million. Alongside the presidency, voters are electing members of Parliament and local government councilors. The electoral commission has indicated that results are expected by Monday.

Hichilema, who took office in 2021, is seeking a second term. He faces 13 challengers, with Brian Mundubile of an opposition alliance considered his most formidable rival.

The election is widely framed as a referendum on Hichilema's stewardship of the economy. His campaign points to the restructuring of Zambia's substantial foreign debt, economic growth, and efforts to attract investors as evidence of progress. He maintains that his administration inherited an economy in crisis.

However, many Zambians report feeling little benefit from these macroeconomic improvements. Unemployment, rising food prices, and an unreliable electricity supply continue to strain household budgets, fueling frustration that could shape the outcome of the vote.