Zambians voting as president bids for second term

Zambians are voting in a presidential and parliamentary election, with over eight million registered voters casting their ballots. Polls opened at 06:00 local time and will conclude at 18:00. The election is seen as a test of Zambia's stability as one of Africa's most democratic nations, despite concerns over political freedoms being compromised. Unemployment and escalating living costs remain pressing issues for voters.

President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term after managing Zambia's economic revival. However, many citizens complain that living costs are still high. The race features 14 candidates, but it is essentially a contest between Hichilema and his main rival, Brian Mundubile. Mundubile is a former minister in the PF government that governed Zambia from 2011 to 2021, drawing support from mourners of the late former President, Edgar Lungu.

Lungu passed away more than a year ago, with his body still unburied in South Africa due to a family vs. Hichilema dispute, which has deepened political tensions in Zambia.

Hichilema, 64, won the 2021 election on his sixth attempt and hopes for job creation and a substantial infrastructure drive to secure a final five-year term. Young voter Mwiche Nalupumbwe, 26, arrived at polling stations early, despite the cold, expressing frustration with the current political climate and emphasizing the election as a 50-50 chance for change.

"I voted for HH because he cares about us," said James Phiri, a 29-year-old university student, referring to the president by a popular nickname. Meanwhile, Samuel Chitendwe, a 47-year-old welder and father, chose to vote for Mundubile, stating his fatigue with economic progress rhetoric. To secure a win, a presidential candidate must receive over 50% of the vote or face a runoff within 37 days.