Zambia heads to polls with President Hichilema expected to win second term

What the report says

Zambia is voting in a general election on Thursday that is widely expected to return President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term, according to France 24. The ballot covers the presidency, parliament and local government, with Hichilema’s main challenger identified as Brian Mundubile, an opposition figure backed by supporters of former president Edgar Lungu.

Hichilema, who took office in 2021, is campaigning on his economic record after leading Zambia through debt restructuring and a broader recovery following the country’s 2020 sovereign default. The article notes that investors and analysts expect him to win, but voters’ frustration over the cost of living could limit his margin of victory. Many Zambians say improved macroeconomic indicators and lower inflation have not yet translated into better daily living standards.

The report also highlights a divided opposition. Mundubile’s alliance is described as fragmented, with some candidates from different parties competing against one another in certain areas. That division, plus Hichilema’s incumbency, is seen as strengthening the ruling party’s position. At the same time, the opposition retains support in key urban areas such as Lusaka and Copperbelt Province.

France 24 also says the election has faced some allegations of political repression, which the government denies. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Electoral Commission is scheduled to announce results on Monday. A runoff would be required if no presidential candidate wins an outright majority.