Zambia Goes to the Polls Tomorrow as Hichilema Seeks Second Term

LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia heads to the polls on Thursday, August 13, in a closely watched general election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema secures another five-year term and whether his economic reforms have convinced voters that the country is moving in the right direction.

More than eight million registered voters are expected to participate in the election, choosing the president as well as members of the National Assembly and other local representatives. Polling is scheduled to run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development, is seeking re-election after defeating former President Edgar Lungu in the 2021 election. His campaign has focused heavily on economic recovery, investment and Zambia's growing importance as a producer of copper and other critical minerals.

But tomorrow's vote is also a test of whether economic reforms are being felt by ordinary Zambians. The government has made progress in restructuring Zambia's debt, with more than $12 billion in debt undergoing restructuring, while the country is seeking to dramatically increase copper production.

Hichilema's administration has set an ambitious target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031. Yet economic pressure remains a major concern for voters. High food and energy costs have continued to affect households, raising questions about whether improvements in national economic indicators have translated into better living conditions for ordinary citizens.

Hichilema faces a field of opposition candidates, with Brian Mundubile of the Tonse Alliance emerging as one of his principal challengers. The opposition has criticised the government's record and raised concerns about the political environment ahead of the vote. The election is significant beyond Zambia's borders.

The country sits at the centre of the global race for critical minerals, particularly copper, which is essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and modern technology. Both Western countries and China have shown strong interest in Zambia's mineral resources.

For voters, however, the central question may be much simpler: Has life become better? Tomorrow's election will therefore be more than a contest between political parties. It will be a referendum of sorts on economic reform, jobs, household costs, mining, democracy and the direction of one of Africa's most strategically important mineral-producing countries.

As polling stations prepare to open across Zambia, the country faces a defining political moment. Hichilema is asking voters to give his government another five years to deliver on its economic promises. The opposition is asking voters to choose a different path. By tomorrow evening, Zambians will begin giving their answer. For Osmara Digital Media — Africa in Focus.