Zambians are heading to the polls to elect their president and parliament, with more than eight million registered voters taking part in an election seen as an important test of the country’s democratic reputation.
Polls open across Zambia
Polling stations opened at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and are scheduled to close at 18:00. Voters are choosing among 14 presidential candidates, although the contest is largely viewed as a two-horse race between President Hakainde Hichilema and his main challenger, Brian Mundubile.
The election comes as Zambia faces concerns over political freedoms, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
Hichilema seeks second term
Hichilema, 64, is seeking a second five-year term after winning the presidency in 2021 on his sixth attempt.
His campaign has focused on job creation, economic recovery and an ambitious programme of infrastructure development. The president is hoping voters will reward his administration for helping steer the country towards an economic rebound.
However, many Zambians say the benefits of that progress have not been fully felt in their daily lives, particularly as household costs remain high.
Cost of living shapes vote
The economic situation has become one of the key issues influencing voters.
Mwiche Nalupumbwe, 26, was among hundreds of people who arrived at polling stations early in the morning.
“Zambians are frustrated and this election is a 50-50,” he told AFP, saying voters had turned out because they wanted change.
Others expressed support for the incumbent. James Phiri, a 29-year-old University of Zambia student, said he voted for Hichilema because he believed conditions had improved under his leadership.
He pointed specifically to the reintroduction of meal allowances for students as one of the reasons for his support.
Mundubile challenges incumbent
Mundubile, a former minister in the Patriotic Front government that ruled Zambia between 2011 and 2021, is seeking to capitalise on dissatisfaction with the current administration.
His alliance has attracted support from figures and voters associated with former President Edgar Lungu, who died more than a year ago.
Lungu’s death has remained politically sensitive because his body is still unburied in South Africa following a dispute between his family and Hichilema.
The disagreement has contributed to wider political tensions ahead of the election.
Voters demand economic change
Samuel Chitendwe, a 47-year-old welder and father of four, said he voted for Mundubile because he was frustrated by what he considered insufficient economic progress.
“I have just come from firing someone. We are tired of stories about economic progress,” he told Reuters.
His comments reflect the challenge facing Hichilema: convincing voters that improvements in national economic indicators are translating into jobs and better living conditions.
Run-off remains possible
Under Zambia’s electoral system, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright.
If no candidate reaches that threshold, a run-off must be held within 37 days.
The result will therefore determine not only who leads Zambia for the next five years but also whether the country can maintain its reputation for political stability while addressing growing economic and political pressures.
