Zambia heads to polls with President Hichilema expected to win second term
Zambians are voting Thursday in a general election widely expected to give President Hakainde Hichilema a second term, as his economic record faces a test from voters frustrated by the cost of living and opposition parties seeking to capitalize on discontent despite deep internal divisions.
Zambians are heading to polling stations across the country on Thursday to vote in a general election. Polling and observers widely expect President Hakainde Hichilema to comfortably win a second term, though the high cost of living remains a central issue in the race.
Opposition parties are campaigning on criticism that economic growth has not sufficiently benefited ordinary citizens. However, deep divisions within the opposition are preventing it from uniting around a single strong candidate, a fact that strengthens Hichilema's position.
Election observers report that voting has largely proceeded calmly. Results are expected to be announced in the coming days, with international organizations closely monitoring the transparency of the process.
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