Zambians began casting ballots Thursday in a presidential election, a vote watched closely by global capital interested in the nation's vast copper reserves, even as 8 million registered voters grapple with a severe cost-of-living crisis. President Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second term amidst widespread frustration over unemployment, soaring food prices, and an unstable electricity supply. His administration has overseen the restructuring of Zambia’s massive foreign debt and courted international investors.
Resource Wars and Foreign Capital
Zambia stands as a major copper producer, a metal critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and global power grids. The election's outcome holds significant implications for transnational corporations and imperial powers. China, already Zambia’s largest foreign investor, maintains extensive mining interests within the country. The United States, seeking to diversify critical mineral supplies and reduce its reliance on China, has also pushed for a greater role. Hichilema has actively courted investment from both Chinese and Western partners, aiming to increase annual copper production to 3 million metric tons by 2031. This drive for increased extraction serves the demands of global capital, not necessarily the needs of the Zambian people.
The Cost for Zambian Workers
Despite official claims of economic growth, many Zambians report they don't feel the benefits. Joseph, 53, expressed deep disillusionment with the current government, stating he voted hoping for better economic management and a change in the handling of natural resources. Mathias Ngoma, in his 70s, braved the morning chill to cast his ballot, calling it "the only voice I have" and hoping for leaders who would "make things better in our constituency." These testimonies highlight the stark contrast between the rhetoric of economic reform and the daily struggles of the working class. Hichilema, who came into power in 2021, argues he inherited an economy in crisis and needs another five years to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and expand public services. His promises ring hollow for those facing immediate hardship.
The State's Role in Managing Dissent
Police deployed additional officers and issued warnings against violence and disruptions at polling stations. This deployment occurred amidst rising security and political tensions in the final days of the campaign. Opposition parties, including the Tonse Alliance, have accused Hichilema’s government of using state institutions to target political rivals, citing a law enforcement raid on their offices just days before the election. These allegations, which the government rejects, underscore the state's function in maintaining the existing power structure. Hichilema himself spent four months in jail on treason charges when he was an opposition leader, a stark reminder of the state's capacity for suppression. A prolonged dispute between his family and the government over the funeral and burial of former President Edgar Lungu, whom Hichilema defeated in 2021, further fueled pre-election tensions.
Around 8 million people are registered to vote in this one-day election, which also includes parliamentary and local government councilor races. A presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Zambia has been historically presented as one of southern Africa’s more stable democracies, with largely peaceful transfers of power, including Hichilema’s victory in 2021, which marked the third transfer to an opposition candidate since multiparty democracy was restored in 1991.