LUSAKA – Zambians cast votes Thursday in a presidential election that will test whether President Hakainde Hichilema ’s economic reforms were enough to overcome widespread frustration over the cost of living.
Around 8 million people in the southern African country of 22 million are registered to vote in the one-day election. Voters will also choose members of Parliament and local government councilors. Results are expected Monday, according to the electoral commission.
Recommended Videos
Voters bundled in thick jackets against the morning chill began forming long lines before dawn outside polling stations across Lusaka, the capital.
Some huddled around small makeshift fires while election officials arranged ballot boxes, checked voter lists and prepared polling stations.
European Union election observers watched the proceedings at one polling station in the capital. A local election observer said confusion over voter rolls, inadequate directions and poor crowd management at some polling stations caused delays and frustration that could discourage some people from voting.
Mathias Ngoma, in his 70s, said he has voted in every election he could because “it’s the only voice I have.”
“I braved the cold to choose leaders I am hoping will make things better in our constituency,” he said.
Economy dominates the vote
The election is widely seen as a referendum on Hichilema’s handling of the economy. He came to power in 2021 and is seeking a second term. He argues he inherited an economy in crisis and has overseen the restructuring of Zambia’s massive foreign debt, presided over economic growth and courted investors.
Hichilema says he needs another five years to create jobs, improve infrastructure and expand public services.
Many Zambians say they don’t feel the benefits as unemployment, food prices and an unstable electricity supply continue to strain household budgets.
Hichilema faces 13 other candidates, and his strongest challenger, analysts say, is Brian Mundubile, a politician who leads an alliance of opposition parties.
Mundubile has campaigned on promises to tackle the rising cost of living, improve agriculture, and restore freedoms while accusing Hichilema’s government of undermining democratic institutions.
Beene Siloka, a first-time voter, said casting her ballot was a proud moment despite some initial confusion about where to wait in line.
“I’ve cast my vote, and I’m proud,” she said. “It’s my first time voting, and we’re looking forward to greater things for Zambia.”
Zambian copper production draws international interest
The election is being closely watched abroad because Zambia is a major copper producer seeking to sharply increase production of the metal, which is critical to electric vehicles, renewable energy and power grids.
China is Zambia’s largest foreign investor and has extensive mining interests in the country, while the United States has sought a greater role as Washington looks to diversify supplies of critical minerals and reduce its reliance on China. Hichilema has courted investment from both China and Western partners, including the U.S., as he seeks to increase annual copper production to 3 million metric tons by 2031.
Security concerns shadow the vote
Security and political tensions rose in the final days of the campaign. Police deployed additional officers and warned against violence, disruptions at polling stations and the circulation of false results.
Before casting his ballot, Hichilema urged Zambians to vote peacefully. “Today, the future of our nation is in your hands,” he wrote on X. “Please vote peacefully, respect one another and remember that we are One Zambia, One Nation.”
Opposition parties have accused Hichilema’s government of using state institutions to target political rivals, allegations the government rejects.
Amnesty International said ahead of the vote that Zambia had experienced a “growing pattern” of authoritarian practices that threatened freedoms of expression, assembly and the media, concerns the government has rejected.
The opposition's Tonse Alliance said a law enforcement raid on its offices days before the election was politically motivated.
Hichilema spent four months in jail on treason charges when he was an opposition leader under former President Edgar Lungu, whom he defeated in 2021.
Lungu remained an influential political figure until his death in South Africa last year. A prolonged dispute between his family and the government over his funeral and burial added to tensions ahead of the election.
A presidential candidate must win more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.
Zambia has long been regarded as one of southern Africa’s more stable democracies, with a history of largely peaceful transfers of power. Hichilema’s victory in 2021 marked the country’s third transfer of power to an opposition candidate since multiparty democracy was restored in 1991.
Polls are expected to close at 1600 GMT.
___
Associated Press video journalist Alfonso Nqunjana in Lusaka, Zambia, contributed to this report.
___
AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa