Zambia's President Hichilema rallies students ahead of Thursday's election

With just days to go before Thursday’s presidential election, Zambia’s president Hakainde Hichilema is on the campaign trail.

Nearly half of registered voters are aged between 18 and 35, making young people a potentially pivotal bloc.

On Monday, Hichilema rallied students in the capital Lusaka.

"Are you ready to campaign? Campaign at the schools, colleges, in the rooms to your roommates, at the market when you are buying something, campaign in the bus -- everywhere."

Hichilema is facing 13 other candidates but his main challenger Brian Mundubile has surged to the front after winning the backing of a coalition of rival parties.

Voters will decide whether Hichilema’s economic reforms deserve a second chance or whether the opposition can turn widespread discontent over the high cost of living into a win.

The vote will also test Zambia's reputation for political stability after a campaign marked by pockets of violence.