Zambians began casting ballots Thursday in a presidential election that's become a stark test of whether economic growth statistics can overcome the daily reality of unaffordable food and unreliable electricity. Around 8 million people in the southern African country of 22 million are registered to vote in the one-day election, which will also choose members of Parliament and local government councilors.
Before dawn, voters bundled in thick jackets against the morning chill began forming long lines outside polling stations across Lusaka. Some huddled around small makeshift fires to keep warm while election officials arranged ballot boxes, checked voter lists and prepared polling stations. European Union election observers watched the proceedings at one polling station in the capital.
Mathias Ngoma, in his 70s, said he's voted in every election he could because "it's the only voice I have." He said, "I braved the cold to choose leaders I am hoping will make better things in our constituency," and encouraged other Zambians to cast their ballots, saying every vote counts.
The Economic Disconnect
President Hakainde Hichilema, now in his fifth year in power after winning in 2021, faces 13 other candidates in the presidential vote, though Brian Mundubile of an opposition alliance is expected to be his strongest challenger. The election is widely seen as a referendum on Hichilema's handling of the economy. He argues that he inherited an economy in crisis and has overseen the restructuring of Zambia's massive foreign debt, presided over economic growth, and helped to court investors. Hichilema says he needs another five years to create jobs, improve infrastructure and expand public services.
Many Zambians say they don't feel the benefits as unemployment, food prices and an unstable electricity supply continue to strain household budgets. Joseph, who only gave his first name, told The Associated Press he voted hoping for better economic management after becoming disillusioned with the current government. "I voted for development and change," the 53-year-old said. "Change in the management of the economy ... (and) natural resources."
Global Stakes in Copper Country
The election is also being closely watched abroad because Zambia is a major copper producer seeking to sharply increase production of the metal, critical to electric vehicles, renewable energy and power grids. China is Zambia's largest foreign investor and has extensive mining interests in the country, while the United States has sought a greater role as Washington looks to diversify supplies of critical minerals and reduce its reliance on China. Hichilema has courted investment from both China and Western partners, including the U.S., as he seeks to increase annual copper production to 3 million metric tons by 2031.
Security Concerns and Opposition Allegations
Security and political tensions rose in the final days of the campaign. Police deployed additional officers and warned against violence, disruptions at polling stations and the circulation of false results. Opposition parties have accused Hichilema's government of using state institutions to target political rivals, allegations the government rejects. The opposition's Tonse Alliance said a law enforcement raid on its offices days before the election was politically motivated.
Hichilema spent four months in jail on treason charges when he was an opposition leader under former President Edgar Lungu, whom he defeated in 2021. Lungu remained an influential political figure until his death in South Africa last year. A prolonged dispute between his family and the government over his funeral and burial added to tensions ahead of the election.
A presidential candidate must win more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Results are expected on Monday, according to the electoral commission. Zambia has long been regarded as one of southern Africa's more stable democracies, with a history of largely peaceful transfers of power. Hichilema's victory in 2021 marked the country's third transfer of power to an opposition candidate since multiparty democracy was restored in 1991, now in its 35th year. Polls are expected to close at 1600 GMT.
Why This Matters:
Zambia's election highlights a challenge facing democracies across the developing world: whether technocratic economic reforms and debt restructuring can sustain public support when ordinary citizens aren't seeing relief in their daily lives. The gap between macroeconomic indicators and household realities—unemployment, food costs, electricity shortages—tests whether democratic institutions can deliver tangible improvements to people's lives or whether frustration will drive voters toward alternatives. The outcome will also signal whether countries rich in critical minerals can leverage those resources to benefit their own populations through jobs and infrastructure, or whether foreign investment primarily serves external interests. For Zambia's 35-year democratic tradition, the question isn't just who wins, but whether the system itself can address the economic pressures straining families across the country.