Zambia votes as Hichilema seeks 2nd term amid cost-of-living strains
What's next: Results are due Monday, and a runoff must be held within 37 days if no candidate wins more than 50%.
Zambians cast ballots Thursday in presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with President Hakainde Hichilema favored to secure a second five-year term after an economic rebound and debt restructuring. Polls opened at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., with results expected on Monday. More than 8 million voters are registered. The main challenge comes from Brian Mundubile, a first-time presidential candidate leading an opposition alliance backed by supporters of former President Edgar Lungu. Voters and analysts say unemployment and the rising cost of living remain central issues, even as headline economic indicators improve. The vote also tests Zambia's democratic reputation amid allegations of pressure on the opposition, which the government denies.