Zambia Votes in Election Expected to Favour Incumbent Hichilema

Zambians began voting on Thursday in presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, with President Hakainde Hichilema widely expected to secure a second term in office.

Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 6 p.m. Results are expected to be announced on Monday.

Hichilema, who has led the southern African copper-producing nation since 2021, is campaigning on his economic record. His administration has overseen Zambia’s debt restructuring and economic recovery following the country’s sovereign debt default in 2020.

His main challenger is Brian Mundubile, an experienced parliamentarian and first-time presidential candidate. Mundubile leads an opposition alliance supported by some followers of former President Edgar Lungu.

Cost of Living Remains a Major Concern

Although Zambia’s economic indicators have improved, the high cost of living remains a major concern for many voters.

Some voters praised Hichilema for restoring meal allowances for university students, while others said the economic recovery had not translated into better living conditions.

Opposition support is reportedly strong in Lusaka and Copperbelt Province, areas with large numbers of registered voters, while Hichilema’s ruling party is expected to perform better in rural communities.

Concerns Over Election Fairness

The election campaign has also been accompanied by allegations of political repression, which the government has denied.

The U.S.-based Freedom House currently rates Zambia as “partly free”, noting that although the country regularly holds multiparty elections, opposition parties face legal and practical challenges in competing on equal terms.

A presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the votes to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two candidates will face a runoff within 37 days of the first round.

The election will determine whether Hichilema wins another five-year term or whether the opposition can produce a political upset.

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