Zambia election puts president’s economic record to the test
Zambia faces scrutiny over whether Hakainde Hichilema's recent economic gains can offset frustration over the high cost of living.
Zambian incumbent president Hakainde Hichilema faced voters Thursday, with economic hardship testing his record as he seeks a second term. Polling stations opened at 6:00 am and were set to close 12 hours later, with 8.7 million registered voters eligible to cast ballots. Hichilema, 64, previously won elections on six attempts and is relying on job creation and infrastructure development for his final five-year term.
His main rival, former PF minister Brian Mundubile, backed by opposition parties, argues the election was not free and fair due to government restrictions on his party. With 70% of Zambia's 22 million people living on less than three dollars a day, voters question whether Hichilema's reforms have improved their lives. While Zambia's economy has shown some improvement, with falling inflation and a strengthened currency, many still struggle with high food and energy costs and an unemployment rate of around 10%.
Despite criticism of government inefficiencies and corruption, Hichilema is seen as a more predictable leader than the competition.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
