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Zambians voting as president bids for second term

Hakainde Hichilema wants five more years but continued cost of living pressures have dented his appeal.

Zambians voting as president bids for second term

Zambia's electoral commission has resumed counting votes from the recent presidential, parliamentary and local elections, following a brief suspension due to reports of violence and alleged attacks on polling staff. President Hakainde Hichilema, seeking a second five-year term, is facing 13 opposition candidates, including Brian Mundubile, the main challenger.

The electoral commission aims to announce the results by the end of Sunday. In a recent update, they stated that the security threat to the electoral process has been contained and necessary measures are in place to continue the voting process. Mundubile expressed concern over delays in announcing the results, citing reports of military involvement and alleged interference.

Despite initial concerns, polling day was largely peaceful, with Zambians expressing their views on the incumbent's economic record and the need for change. The election serves as a test of Zambia's democratic reputation and a chance for voters to choose new parliament members and local councils.

Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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