Zambia election tests Hichilema’s record

Zambians began voting on Thursday in a presidential election testing President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record, amid widespread frustration over the cost of living. Millions are also choosing lawmakers and local councillors in a one-day vote expected to produce results on Monday.

Before dawn, voters wrapped in thick jackets formed long queues outside polling stations across Lusaka as election officials prepared ballot boxes and checked voter registers.

European Union election observers monitored proceedings at one polling station in the capital.

Around eight million people are registered to vote in the southern African nation of 22 million.

Hichilema, who took office in 2021, is seeking a second term after pursuing economic reforms aimed at stabilising the copper-rich country. But rising living costs have fuelled frustration among households, making the economy a central issue in the election.

Supporters of the president point to progress under his administration, while critics argue that economic gains have yet to translate into meaningful improvements for many ordinary Zambians.

Voters are also electing members of Parliament and local government councillors. The election is being held over one day, with the electoral commission expected to announce the presidential results on Monday.

As polling stations opened across the country, voters faced a pivotal choice over whether to give Hichilema another term or seek a change of leadership amid continuing economic pressures.

SOURCE: AFP