Zambia votes with economy at heart of presidential test

Zambians head to the polls Thursday in a presidential election that will test the economic record of incumbent Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second term. Hichilema, a businessman known as "HH," won a landslide victory in 2021, ousting Edgar Lungu. He is now running against 13 other candidates, with former Lungu minister Brian Mundubile seen as his most serious challenger.

Mundubile, a 55-year-old lawyer, has accused Hichilema's government of obstructing his campaign. He claims police interference, violence from presidential supporters, and canceled flight permits have prevented him from holding rallies. "An election is a process, not an event. And the process we have just gone through can only lead to one, and only one conclusion: the election will be neither free nor fair," Mundubile stated.

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An election is a process, not an event. And the process we have just gone through can only lead to one, and only one conclusion: the election will be neither free nor fair.

Hichilema, 64, is credited with guiding Zambia out of a debt crisis that led to a default in 2020. His administration secured a debt restructuring deal and re-established an International Monetary Fund program, leading to projected growth of 5% this year. This has earned praise from international lenders and investors.

However, many of Zambia's 22 million residents struggle with the rising cost of living. According to the World Bank, 70% of the population lives on less than three dollars a day, and the official unemployment rate is around 10%. "It's only those connected to politicians who say the economy is doing well," said Ceshas Tembo, a 32-year-old bus driver. "For many of us, it's still day to day."

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It's only those connected to politicians who say the economy is doing well. For many of us, it's still day to day.