Zambians began casting ballots Thursday in a presidential election. Many braved the morning chill. Widespread frustration over the cost of living continues to grip the nation. Despite President Hakainde Hichilema’s promises of economic reform, ordinary Zambians report persistent unemployment, soaring food prices, and an unstable electricity supply. These issues strain household budgets. Voters like Joseph, 53, expressed deep disillusionment with the current government. He stated he voted hoping for better economic management and a change in the handling of natural resources.
Around 8 million people in the southern African country of 22 million are registered to vote. The one-day election also includes parliamentary and local government councilor races. Results are expected Monday, according to the electoral commission. Hichilema, seeking a second term, faces 13 other candidates. Brian Mundubile of an opposition alliance is considered his strongest challenger. The election is widely seen as a referendum on Hichilema’s handling of the economy. He claims to have inherited a system in crisis during his ascension to power in 2021.
Elite Interests and Resource Extraction
Hichilema argues he has overseen the restructuring of Zambia’s massive foreign debt. He points to economic growth and successfully courting investors. He insists another five years are necessary to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and expand public services. However, the benefits of these policies are not felt by many Zambians. Their household budgets remain under severe strain.
This election is under intense international scrutiny. Zambia stands as a major copper producer. The metal is deemed critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and global power grids—key components of the transnational economic agenda. China, already Zambia’s largest foreign investor with extensive mining interests, continues to exert influence. Simultaneously, the United States seeks a greater role. It aims to diversify its critical mineral supplies and reduce reliance on Beijing. Hichilema has actively courted investment from both China and various Western partners, including the U.S. His stated goal is to increase annual copper production to 3 million metric tons by 2031. This strategy effectively opens Zambia's national resources to globalist demands, often at the expense of the native working class.
The People's Disillusionment
Mathias Ngoma, in his 70s, articulated the sentiment of many. He explained he votes because “it’s the only voice I have.” He braved the cold to choose leaders he hopes will improve conditions in his constituency. Ngoma urged other Zambians to cast their ballots. Joseph’s vote for "development and change" underscores a deep-seated desire for national resources to serve the Zambian people, not foreign capital.
External Oversight and Suppressed Dissent
European Union election observers were present. They watched proceedings at a polling station in the capital, Lusaka. This signals external oversight of the national democratic process. In the final days of the campaign, security and political tensions escalated. Police deployed additional officers. They issued warnings against violence, disruptions at polling stations, and the circulation of false results. Opposition parties have accused Hichilema’s government of leveraging state institutions to target political rivals. The government rejects these allegations. The opposition’s Tonse Alliance reported a law enforcement raid on its offices just days before the election. They claimed it was politically motivated. This suppression of dissent echoes Hichilema’s own past. He spent four months in jail on treason charges when he was an opposition leader under former President Edgar Lungu, whom he defeated in 2021. A prolonged dispute between Lungu’s family and the government over his funeral and burial further heightened tensions ahead of this critical vote. Zambia, historically regarded as one of southern Africa’s more stable democracies with largely peaceful transfers of power, now faces a test of its sovereignty and the will of its people against powerful transnational interests.