Hakainde Hichilema Seeks Re-election in Zambia's Polls

Hakainde Hichilema, the 64-year-old President of Zambia, is campaigning for a second five-year term in the upcoming election on Thursday. He has urged voters to support the United Party for National Development (UPND), highlighting employment and the rising cost of living as key voter concerns.

Zambia's unemployment rate is nearly 10 percent, and while Hichilema has been credited with helping the country recover from debt distress and achieve projected economic growth of around five percent this year, critics argue that this recovery has not improved living conditions for many. Hichilema's main opponent, Brian Mundubile, a 55-year-old former provincial minister representing the newly formed NRPUP party, has accused the government of using arrests and intimidation against opposition figures.

He claims that three opposition members are missing and suggests they may have been detained. The election will also feature twelve other candidates, but none are expected to pose a significant challenge.

Voters will decide whether to extend Hichilema's presidency or allow the opposition a chance at power.