Zambia Votes as President Hichilema Seeks Second Term in High-Stakes Election

Zambians have begun voting in a closely watched presidential election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema secures another five-year term amid continuing debate over the country’s economic recovery and cost-of-living pressures.

Polling stations opened across the southern African nation at 6:00 a.m. local time (04:00 GMT) on Thursday, with voting scheduled to continue for 12 hours before the count begins.

The election is one of Zambia’s most significant political tests in recent years, as voters weigh the government’s economic reforms against the daily financial pressures many households continue to face.

Around 8.7 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the election, which also includes parliamentary contests for 226 seats, marking an increase from the previous 156 constituencies.

Results of the presidential race are expected by August 17, with a candidate required to secure more than 50 percent of valid votes to win outright and avoid a runoff.

Economy dominates campaign

The campaign has largely revolved around economic issues, with Hichilema seeking to convince voters that his administration’s reforms have laid the foundation for long-term recovery.

Since taking office in 2021, the president’s government has pursued economic restructuring, debt negotiations and fiscal reforms aimed at stabilising Zambia’s economy after years of financial strain.

Some economic indicators have improved.

Inflation fell to 6.8 percent earlier this year, while the kwacha has strengthened against major foreign currencies, developments the government has presented as evidence that its policies are beginning to produce results.

Yet many Zambians say the improvements have not translated into enough relief for ordinary households.

Food prices remain elevated, energy costs continue to affect family budgets and unemployment remains around 10 percent, making affordability one of the defining issues of the election.

According to World Bank data, more than 70 percent of Zambia’s approximately 22 million people live on less than three dollars a day, underscoring the scale of the economic challenge confronting whichever candidate emerges victorious.

Hichilema seeks another mandate

Hichilema, 64, is seeking a second and final constitutional term after winning the presidency in 2021 on his sixth attempt.

The businessman entered office promising economic recovery, improved governance and stronger investment in infrastructure.

Throughout the campaign, he has argued that his administration’s reforms require more time to deliver broader benefits and has highlighted job creation efforts and infrastructure projects as evidence of progress.

His supporters say stabilising inflation and strengthening the currency represent important achievements after difficult economic conditions inherited by the government.

The president has also campaigned on improving investor confidence and positioning Zambia for longer-term growth.

Opposition seeks “national reset”

The strongest challenge to Hichilema comes from Brian Mundubile, a former minister who is contesting under the National Republican Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP).

Mundubile entered the race after receiving backing from an alliance of opposition parties, many of which have roots in the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF).

The PF governed Zambia from 2011 until Hichilema defeated its candidate in the 2021 election.

During the campaign, Mundubile argued that Zambia needs what he described as a “national reset,” saying the country has become politically divided.

He also questioned the fairness of the campaign environment, alleging that restrictions placed on opposition activities had affected his party’s ability to compete on equal terms.

His campaign has focused heavily on addressing living costs, unemployment and what he says is the need to rebuild national unity.

A crowded presidential contest

Although Hichilema and Mundubile have emerged as the principal contenders, the presidential ballot includes 13 other candidates, making it one of Zambia’s broader electoral contests.

The parliamentary election is equally significant because control of the National Assembly will influence the next government’s ability to implement legislation and policy priorities.

The expansion to 226 parliamentary seats reflects electoral boundary adjustments aimed at improving representation across the country.

Voters are therefore choosing both a president and lawmakers who will shape Zambia’s political direction over the coming years.

Regional voting patterns remain important

Zambian elections have historically reflected strong regional political loyalties, and analysts expect those patterns to remain influential.

Hichilema’s United Party for National Development traditionally performs strongly in the country’s southern and western regions.

Meanwhile, opposition support linked to the former PF remains particularly strong in parts of the Northern Province and the Copperbelt, one of Zambia’s most economically important regions because of its mining industry.

Those regional dynamics could prove decisive in determining whether Hichilema crosses the 50-percent threshold needed for a first-round victory.

If no candidate achieves that majority, Zambia’s electoral rules require a runoff between the top two candidates.

Democracy under scrutiny

Zambia has long been regarded as one of Africa’s more stable democracies, with a history of competitive elections and peaceful transfers of power.

However, this year’s election has attracted increased international attention over concerns about political freedoms and the space available for opposition parties.

Some critics have argued that the government has narrowed opportunities for dissent, while the administration has maintained that it remains committed to democratic governance and the rule of law.

The campaign has therefore unfolded against two parallel debates: one centred on economic performance and another focused on political freedoms.

Both issues have featured prominently in discussions among voters, civil society organisations and election observers.

High expectations as counting approaches

The voting process itself represents only the first stage of what could become an important political moment for Zambia.

Once polling closes, election officials will begin counting ballots across thousands of polling stations before results are progressively announced.

Election observers are expected to monitor both the voting process and the tabulation of results.

For Hichilema, victory would provide another mandate to continue his economic reform programme and complete what would be his final constitutional term.

For Mundubile and the opposition alliance, an upset would mark a significant political comeback for forces associated with Zambia’s former governing bloc.

A defining choice for Zambia

The outcome of Thursday’s election will shape Zambia’s economic and political direction at a time when many citizens are balancing signs of macroeconomic improvement against persistent everyday financial hardship.

The government’s efforts to reduce inflation, stabilise the currency and attract investment have produced measurable economic changes.

At the same time, rising living costs and unemployment remain immediate concerns for millions of voters.

That contrast has made the election more than a referendum on one administration.

It has become a broader test of whether voters believe economic reforms that improve national indicators are enough when many households continue to feel financial pressure.

As counting begins after polling stations close, Zambia now waits to learn whether Hichilema secures another five years in office or whether voters choose a different path for the country’s future.