Zambia votes with President Hichilema favoured for second term
Zambia holds general elections on Thursday, with President Hakainde Hichilema widely tipped to win a second term despite public frustration over living costs.
Zambians head to the polls on Thursday in general elections combining presidential, parliamentary and local government votes. President Hakainde Hichilema, in power since 2021, is seen as the clear favourite to secure a second term, campaigning on his record of steering the copper-producing nation through a debt restructuring following its 2020 sovereign default.
His main rival is Brian Mundubile, a seasoned lawmaker making his first run for the presidency at the head of an opposition alliance that draws support from backers of the late former president Edgar Lungu. To win outright in the first round, a candidate needs more than 50 percent of the vote; otherwise the top two finishers advance to a run-off.
Divided opposition
Analysts point to internal splits as a key weakness for the opposition, with candidates from Mundubile's party and his running mate's party competing against one another for parliamentary and local seats in several constituencies. Despite large crowds turning out at Mundubile's rallies, some observers believe the ruling party is still likely to prevail.
Investors broadly expect Hichilema to win, with attention focused on whether he can convert the country's macroeconomic recovery into job creation. While inflation has eased to its lowest level in years, many Zambians say they have yet to feel the improvement in their daily lives.
Questions over fairness
The campaign period has been clouded by allegations of political repression, which the government denies. Freedom House rates Zambia as only "partly free," citing legal and practical barriers facing opposition parties. Polling stations are open from 6am to 6pm, with results expected on Monday. Should a run-off be required, it must take place within 37 days of the first round.
