Zambia heads to the polls as economy dominates election campaign

Zambians head to the polls on Thursday in the country's eighth general election since the return to multiparty democracy in 1991, with the economy emerging as the defining issue for voters.

President Hakainde Hichilema and his governing United Party for National Development are seeking another five-year term, arguing more time is needed to complete economic reforms after inheriting nearly 19 billion dollars in foreign debt.

But many Zambians say they have yet to see meaningful improvements in their daily lives, with unemployment—particularly among young people—remaining high.

Political analyst Leah Mitiba says the outcome remains difficult to predict.

Leah Mitiba, Political Analyst: "These elections are quite unpredictable... If you have a huge turnout as we did in 2021, then you'll see that people were quiet not because they were not following... they are coming out in numbers to ensure that they vote out the ruling party."

Economist Trevor Hambayi says the government has had enough time to deliver results.

"Generally speaking... they had enough time, but they were not able to turn around the economy within that time."

Hambayi adds that Zambia missed an opportunity to capitalize on soaring global copper prices.

The escalation of the price of copper... has been positive and that we could have used to be able to drive economic recovery."

With nearly 70 percent of Zambia's population under the age of 30, the youth vote is expected to play a decisive role in determining the country's next government.