Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Lusaka for President Hakainde Hichilema’s final campaign rally, as the incumbent seeks a second term amid voter concerns over living costs, employment, and political freedoms.
Dressed in red and waving party flags, supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) filled a venue south of the capital. Addressing the crowd, the 64-year-old president highlighted key achievements of his first term, including the expansion of free education and the recruitment of public healthcare workers and teachers.
The vote comes as Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, balances macroeconomic stability with domestic financial pressure. While Hichilema has drawn praise for steering the country out of debt default and restoring growth—projected at around five percent this year—critics note that the recovery has been slow to ease high food prices and a national unemployment rate near 10 percent.
Hichilema framed the election as a choice between ongoing economic stability and a return to the political tensions associated with the previous administration.
His main challenger, 55-year-old lawyer Brian Mundubile, entered the race in May with the backing of a coalition of opposition groups. Mundubile has voiced concerns over the political environment, alleging intimidation of opposition figures and media personnel in the lead-up to the poll.
Twelve other candidates are contesting Thursday’s election, with up to 8.7 million registered voters set to decide whether to grant Hichilema a second five-year mandate.
Add Comment