Amanze Chinonye
Zambians turned out in large numbers on Thursday as polling opened in a closely watched general election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema wins a second five-year term, Prime Business Africa reports.
Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time and are due to close at 6 p.m., with more than 8.7 million registered voters eligible to cast ballots for president, members of the National Assembly and local government representatives.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
Nigerian-Owned Caribbean Bank Sues Zambia Over $40m Investment Dispute
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has registered 8,786,300 voters and deployed about 89,370 polling staff across 13,529 polling stations in 226 constituencies and 1,858 wards. Nearly half of registered voters are aged between 18 and 35, making young voters a significant bloc in the contest.
Hichilema, who came to power in 2021 after defeating then-President Edgar Lungu, is seeking another term on the strength of his government’s efforts to stabilise the economy, restructure Zambia’s debt and attract investment into mining.
His main challenger is Brian Mundubile, a veteran politician who is seeking to consolidate opposition support against the incumbent. The presidential race includes 14 approved candidates, reflecting a fragmented opposition field.
The economy is central to the campaign. Hichilema’s government has pointed to progress on debt restructuring and renewed investor interest in the mining industry, particularly copper, which is crucial to Zambia’s export earnings.
But the economic recovery has not eliminated pressure on households. High living costs, unemployment and concerns over electricity supply remain important issues for voters, giving the opposition an opportunity to challenge the government’s record.
The copper industry has also raised the stakes beyond Zambia’s borders. Demand for the metal is expected to remain strong because of its importance to electric vehicles, renewable-energy infrastructure and power networks, while international investors are closely watching Zambia’s efforts to expand production and capture more value from its mineral wealth.
READ ALSO :
For Hichilema, Thursday’s vote is therefore both a bid for another mandate and a referendum on whether his economic policies have delivered enough improvement in living standards to retain public support.
A presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of valid votes to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the two leading candidates will proceed to a runoff.
The ECZ is expected to count and verify ballots after polling closes, with the commission working toward announcing the presidential result on Aug. 17.
The election is being closely watched for turnout, the conduct of polling and the strength of opposition support as Zambia decides whether to give Hichilema another five years to pursue his economic agenda.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
