Zambia counts votes in tight presidential race amid economic concerns

Vote counting began Thursday evening in Zambia after polls closed in a closely watched presidential election, testing whether President Hakainde Hichilema's economic reforms have eased public frustration over the high cost of living.

Around 8 million people in the southern African nation of 22 million were registered to vote at more than 13,500 polling stations in the one-day election. Alongside the presidency, voters also chose members of Parliament and local government councilors.

Long queues formed before dawn in Lusaka, with voters in thick jackets huddling around makeshift fires as officials prepared. At one polling station, presiding officer Banda Robert declared the station officially closed, noting the process had gone "very well" with no incidents of violence. "It has been superb," he said.

Electoral officials were seen sealing ballot boxes and beginning the count. The Electoral Commission of Zambia said results are expected by Monday.

European Union observers monitored voting at a Lusaka polling station. However, a local observer group reported that poor voter direction, confusion over voter rolls, and crowd management issues caused delays and frustration at some stations.