A guide to this week’s election in Zambia, a southern African country rich in critical minerals

Zambia awaits the results of an election that will determine if President Hakainde Hichilema secures a second five-year term, credited for his economic recovery strategy. Zambia is a leading copper producer but has faced challenges, including a debt crisis and a strained relationship with China, its largest foreign investor. The country has been working to restructure its debts and aims to triple copper production to 3 million metric tons annually by 2031.

The election, held on Thursday, will see Hichilema, a former financial services executive and cattle rancher, face his strongest challenge from Brian Mundubile, a 55-year-old law graduate and leader of the Tonse Alliance opposition group. While Hichilema's economic policies have seen inflation drop and the Kwacha strengthen, critics point to high living costs and potential benefits not reaching all citizens.

Tensions in Zambian politics, including a recent dispute over a former president's burial site, illustrate the country's contentious nature. The Tonse Alliance accuses Hichilema's government of politically motivated actions against their offices before the election. With around 8 million registered voters, the election uses a 50% plus one system, meaning a candidate must secure an outright majority to win, potentially requiring a second round if no candidate achieves this threshold.