By Oluwakemi Kindness
Zambians will vote on Wednesday in a general election widely seen as a test of whether years of economic reforms have improved everyday life.
About 8.79 million voters are registered for the election, according to the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
Fourteen candidates are contesting the presidency.
President Hakainde Hichilema, of the governing United Party for National Development, is seeking a second term.
He faces opposition candidates including Brian Mundubile of the Tonse Alliance.
Hichilema’s government is highlighting progress on Zambia’s debt restructuring and the completion of its IMF-supported programme.
Inflation has also fallen, reaching 6.8 percent in April, according to the Zambia Statistics Agency.
But high food, fuel and electricity costs continue to put pressure on households.
Human rights defender and journalist Joan Chirwa said many Zambians have yet to see tangible improvements in their living conditions.
She said the key question for voters is whether the economic reforms of Hichilema’s first term have translated into higher household incomes and better living standards.
Political risk analyst Wellington Muzengeza said the election could be shaped by the gap between Zambia’s economic recovery and the daily experience of ordinary citizens.
The government points to debt restructuring, free education, renewed mining investment and improved international credibility as achievements.
But voters are expected to focus on the cost of food and transport, job opportunities, electricity supply and the quality of public services.
The election therefore presents a major test for Hichilema as he seeks to convince voters that his economic reforms are delivering meaningful improvements.
