Zambians began voting on Thursday in a national election that will decide whether President Hakainde Hichilema receives a second five-year term, with household costs and his economic record dominating the contest. About 8 million registered voters in the southern African nation of 22 million are also choosing members of Parliament and local councillors, according to the Associated Press.
Long lines formed before dawn outside polling stations in Lusaka as officials prepared ballot boxes and checked voter lists. AP reporters saw European Union observers at a station in the capital, while the Southern African Development Community said its mission would monitor opening, voting, closing and counting across all 10 provinces. Polls were due to close at 1600 GMT.
Hichilema faces 13 other presidential candidates, with Brian Mundubile of the Tonse Alliance regarded as his strongest challenger. The incumbent says his administration inherited an economy damaged by a 2020 sovereign debt default and has since restructured more than $12 billion in obligations, restored growth and attracted investment. He is asking for another term to expand jobs, infrastructure and public services.
The opposition argues that better headline indicators have not sufficiently improved daily life. Although annual inflation slowed to 6.5% in June, its lowest level in more than eight years according to Reuters, many households continue to struggle with food prices, unemployment and unreliable electricity. Opposition parties have also accused the government of using state institutions against rivals, an allegation the administration rejects.
The result has importance beyond Zambia because the country is a major copper producer. Hichilema aims to raise annual output to 3 million metric tons by 2031 as demand grows for metal used in electric vehicles, renewable energy and power grids. China, Zambia's largest foreign investor, has extensive mining interests, while the United States is seeking more diverse critical-mineral supplies.
A presidential candidate needs more than 50% to avoid a runoff. The Electoral Commission's official timetable calls for receipt and verification of results from Saturday through Monday and a declaration on Monday, August 17. Zambia has recorded three peaceful opposition transfers since multiparty democracy returned in 1991, and SADC plans to issue its preliminary assessment on Saturday.
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