Zambians vote as Hakainde Hichilema seeks second term

Zambians cast their votes on Thursday amid the economic struggles that President Hakainde Hichilema is hoping to improve during his second term as leader of the copper-rich nation. The polls opened at 6am and closed 12 hours later, with 8.7 million registered voters expected to participate. Zambia, known for its stable democracy on the African continent, has faced criticism for the government narrowing the space for dissent while pledging stronger economic recovery.

The 64-year-old Hichilema, who has previously won elections on six attempts, aims to create jobs and carry out an ambitious infrastructure project to secure his final five-year term. His main rival in a field of 13 hopefuls is Brian Mundubile, a former minister in the PF government that ruled from 2011 to 2021. With the backing of an alliance of opposition parties, Mundubile is running under the newly formed NRPUP party, drawing much of its support from the former ruling party.

He entered the race in May, adding uncertainty to the contest that had long appeared to be Hichilema's to win. The 55-year-old Mundubile claims that the government has tightened restrictions on his party's campaign and doubts the election will be free and fair. He envisions an opposition victory as starting with a national reset and reconciliation in a deeply divided country.

Many Zambians live on less than $3 a day, according to World Bank data, and while inflation has decreased and the kwacha currency has strengthened, food and energy costs remain high. Unemployment stands at around 10 percent. Despite securing a debt restructuring, completing an IMF-supported program, and setting an ambitious target to triple copper production by 2031, Zambia defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020.

Concerns persist that Hichilema's government is benefiting only those connected to politicians, with bus driver Ceshas Tembo expressing doubts about the economy's well-being for many. As the government announced the arrests of several individuals over an alleged plot to interfere with the electoral system, voters will also elect 226 parliamentary seats.

Traditionally, voters follow regional lines, with Hichilema's party being strongest in the south and west, while the PF retains support in the north and Copperbelt. While this year's vote has been surprisingly competitive, many may still choose Hichilema for the stability he brings, according to Patience Mususa, a senior researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute.

Despite criticism of Hichilema's slow progress in addressing government inefficiencies and corruption, and concerns about his prioritization of corporate interests, he remains a more predictable leader. The presidential vote results are expected by August 17, and the winner must secure more than 50 percent to avoid a runoff.