2 weeks ago
Zambia votes in elections expected to favour incumbent Hichilema
People in a country called Zambia went to vote to choose their president, members of parliament, and local leaders.
The current president is Hakainde Hichilema, who has been in charge since 2021.
Most experts think he will win another term.
His main rival is Brian Mundubile, who is running for president for the first time.
A few years ago, Zambia had big money problems and could not pay back its debts.
Hichilema helped fix the country's money situation, but many people still say everyday things cost too much.
One voter said the president cares about students and brought back their meal money, while another voter said he is tired of hearing stories about economic progress.
Some people worry the election may not be completely fair, but the government says that is not true.
Voting happened on Thursday, and the results are expected on Monday.
Zambians voted on Thursday in simultaneous presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, with President Hakainde Hichilema favoured to win a second term.
Hichilema's main challenger is Brian Mundubile, a first-time presidential candidate leading an opposition alliance backed by supporters of the late former president Edgar Lungu.
Hichilema is running on his economic record, having steered Zambia through debt restructuring and a recovery since it defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020.
Many Zambians say improved economic indicators and lower inflation have not yet eased the cost of living, while the opposition draws support in Lusaka and Copperbelt Province.
The lead-up to the vote was marked by allegations of political repression that the government denies, and Zambia is rated 'partly free' by Freedom House; results are expected Monday.
- Who
- Voters in Zambia, choosing between incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema and challenger Brian Mundubile.
- What
- Simultaneous presidential, parliamentary and local government elections widely expected to give Hichilema a second term.
- Where
- Zambia.
- When
- Thursday, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (0400 GMT); results are scheduled for Monday.
- Why
- To elect a president, parliament and local governments for a new term; Hichilema seeks re-election on his economic record while voters express frustration over the cost of living.
Support for the ruling party
Opposition and critics' view
Election outlook
Support for the ruling party
Analyst Euston Chiputa says the ruling party is expected to carry the day despite large opposition rally crowds, and investors widely expect Hichilema to win, with the bigger question being job-creating growth.
Opposition and critics' view
Lecturer Lee Habasonda says the opposition has support in Lusaka and Copperbelt Province and could have made this one of the toughest elections for the ruling party if it had united behind one candidate earlier.
Fairness of the vote
Support for the ruling party
The government denies allegations of political repression in the lead-up to the vote.
Opposition and critics' view
The lead-up was marred by allegations of political repression, and Freedom House rates Zambia 'partly free,' saying opposition parties face 'onerous legal and practical obstacles to fair competition.'
Economic record
Support for the ruling party
Hichilema steered Zambia through debt restructuring and an economic rebound, with inflation at its lowest level in years, and voter James Phiri praised the restoration of student meal allowances.
Opposition and critics' view
Samuel Chitendwe, a 47-year-old welder and father of four, said he is tired of 'stories about economic progress,' and many Zambians say improved indicators have not translated into daily benefits amid cost-of-living struggles.
Key facts
- Election type
- Presidential, parliamentary and local government elections held simultaneously
- Incumbent
- President Hakainde Hichilema, in power since 2021
- Main challenger
- Brian Mundubile
- Poll hours
- 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (0400 GMT)
- Results expected
- Monday
- Run-off rule
- More than 50% of votes needed to win in the first round; run-off must be held within 37 days
- Population
- 22 million
- Freedom House rating
- Partly free
Quotes
Euston Chiputa
historian and analyst
“"If the opposition had rallied behind one candidate earlier, this would have been one of the toughest elections for the ruling party."”
theprint.in
“"I am tempted to think the ruling party will carry the day despite the huge crowds we are seeing at the rallies for (Mundubile)"”
theprint.in
Sources
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