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 are currently casting their votes in a pivotal election to determine their next president and parliamentary representatives. Over eight million registered voters are participating in the polls, which commenced at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and are scheduled to conclude at 18:00.
This election is widely regarded as a crucial assessment of Zambia's standing as one of Africa's most stable democracies, particularly amidst growing concerns regarding the erosion of political freedoms. Key issues driving voter sentiment include high unemployment rates and the escalating cost of living.
President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second five-year term, having overseen an economic recovery during his first tenure. However, many citizens express dissatisfaction with the persistent high cost of living. Early morning queues were observed at polling stations in the capital, Lusaka, despite chilly weather conditions.
While fourteen candidates are on the ballot, the contest is largely perceived as a direct competition between the incumbent president and his primary challenger, Brian Mundubile. Mundubile, a former minister in the Patriotic Front (PF) government that governed from 2011 to 2021, has garnered support from backers of the late former President, Edgar Lungu, through his alliance.
Voters' thumbnails are being marked with indelible ink by officials to prevent multiple voting. The ongoing dispute between Lungu's family and President Hichilema over the burial of the late former president, who died over a year ago and remains unburied in South Africa, has intensified political divisions within Zambia.
President Hichilema, 64, secured victory in the 2021 election on his sixth attempt. He is now banking on his administration's job creation initiatives and ambitious infrastructure development projects to secure a final five-year term.
Numerous election officials are overseeing the voting process. Mwiche Nalupumbwe, 26, was among hundreds who braved the morning cold to queue at polling stations well before opening. He told AFP, "Zambians are frustrated and this election is a 50-50, that is why we are all here early to make the change."
James Phiri, a 29-year-old student at the University of Zambia, expressed his support for the president, commonly known as "HH," to Reuters, stating, "I voted for HH because he cares about us. Things are better after he re-introduced meal allowances."
Conversely, Samuel Chitendwe, a 47-year-old welder and father of four, indicated he voted for Mundubile. He told Reuters, "I have just come from firing someone. We are tired of stories about economic progress."
To win outright, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote. If no candidate achieves this, a run-off election must be held within 37 days.