By Ukumbi Afrika 
Lusaka— Zambians began voting on Thursday in presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema widely expected to secure a second term after overseeing an economic recovery and a major restructuring of the country's debt.
Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 6 p.m., with presidential results expected on Monday.
Hichilema, who has led the copper-producing southern African nation since 2021, is campaigning on his economic record. His administration has guided Zambia through debt restructuring following the country's 2020 sovereign default and has sought to restore economic stability and attract investment.
His main challenger is Brian Mundubile, an experienced parliamentarian and first-time presidential candidate heading an opposition alliance backed by supporters of former President Edgar Lungu.
Cost of Living Remains a Key Concern
Despite improvements in economic indicators, the cost of living remains a major concern for voters.
Some voters credit Hichilema with improvements in social programmes, including the restoration of university meal allowances. Others say economic gains have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in household incomes and employment.
Political analysts say the opposition remains particularly competitive in Lusaka and the Copperbelt, while Hichilema's ruling party is expected to maintain stronger support in rural areas.
Questions Over Electoral Fairness
The election has also been accompanied by concerns over political repression and the conditions facing opposition parties.
Freedom House rates Zambia as "partly free", citing obstacles faced by opposition parties despite the country's regular multi-party elections. The government has rejected allegations of political repression.
A presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of votes cast to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two candidates will face a run-off, which must be held within 37 days of the initial vote.
With Zambia's economy closely tied to its crucial copper industry, the election outcome will be watched by investors for signals on economic policy, mining investment, debt management and the country's broader growth trajectory.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Chris Mfula
Writing: Nellie Peyton
Editing: David Holmes & Toby Chopra