Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent’s economic reforms
Hichilema seeks a second term as voters weigh debt relief and growth against unemployment, high prices and concerns over political freedoms.
- On Thursday, Zambians began voting in a presidential election testing whether incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema's economic reforms overcome widespread frustration over living costs and jobs.
- Hichilema, seeking a second term after taking office in 2021, campaigned on debt restructuring and economic stabilization; critics argue these gains have not improved living conditions for many households amid nearly 10 percent unemployment.
- Around 8 million registered voters choose between the incumbent and 13 other candidates, with challenger Brian Mundubile of an opposition alliance emerging as the strongest competitor amid campaigns focused on employment and rising food prices.
- Mundubile has accused authorities of using arrests and abductions to intimidate opposition figures, while supporters praise Hichilema for bringing stability and free education to the 22 million-person nation.
- Results arrive Monday, determining whether Zambia continues its economic restructuring path or shifts leadership, a decision influencing the country's role in the global green-energy transition.
68 Articles
68 Articles
The economic recovery and participation of young people are among the issues that mark the vote in Zambia this Thursday, where 8.7 million voters will decide whether the Hichilema reforms will give it another mandate.
Zambia is holding a presidential election today that will show whether President Hakainde Hichilema's economic reforms have been enough to overcome widespread dissatisfaction with the cost of living.
This election, for which the offices opened at 06:00 local (04:00 GMT) and for a duration of 12 hours, is similar to a new test for this country deemed stable in southern Africa and the second copper producer of the continent. The president, who came to power after a peaceful democratic transition in 2021, is accused of having restricted the political space in recent years. A wise businessman of modest origins, "HH", as nicknamed the Zambian str…
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