Hichilema rallies thousands as Zambia heads to presidential vote

Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Lusaka for President Hakainde Hichilema’s final campaign rally ahead of Thursday’s election, as the incumbent seeks a second term amid concerns over jobs, living costs and allegations of opposition intimidation.

Supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development, dressed in red and waving party flags, filled a former opposition stronghold south of Lusaka as Hichilema sought to energise his base.

The 64-year-old president, who took office in 2021, urged voters to back the UPND in Thursday’s election.

“Have you also agreed to vote for the UPND?” Hichilema asked the crowd, telling supporters his government had expanded free education and hired nurses and teachers.

The president is seeking another five-year term in the copper-rich country of 22 million people.

Jobs and living costs dominate

Employment and the rising cost of living are among the main concerns for voters.

Zambia’s unemployment rate stands at nearly 10 percent, according to the national statistics agency. Hichilema has received credit for helping the country emerge from debt distress and return to economic growth, which is projected at around five percent this year.

But critics say the recovery has yet to translate into better living conditions for many households.

At the rally, volunteer nurses and teachers called for jobs, reflecting the pressure facing young professionals entering the labour market.

Supporters praise stability

Hichilema’s supporters say his government has brought greater stability after years of political tension.

Brian Mpande, a UPND supporter, said peace was the president’s most important achievement.

“For the first time in my life I have experienced peace,” he said, adding that he valued stability more than financial gains.

Teacher Sandra Simwale also said she expected a peaceful election, pointing to the ability of people to attend rallies and businesses to remain open without disruption.

Incumbent warns against opposition

Hichilema has sought to frame the election as a choice between his administration and a return to the insecurity he associates with the previous Patriot Front government.

He warned supporters that an opposition victory could bring back what he described as “old habits”, invoking fears of violence and insecurity.

The president has also highlighted free education as a major achievement of his first term.

“We will return HH to office because of free education. Our children are now going to school,” 29-year-old voter Anna Chewa told AFP.

Challenger raises alarm

Hichilema’s main challenger, Brian Mundubile, has accused authorities of using arrests and abductions to intimidate the opposition.

The 55-year-old former provincial minister claimed three opposition figures could not be traced and suggested they may have been detained.

He also alleged that journalists, musicians and bloggers had been detained to silence voices critical of the government.

“This election must not be conducted under fear,” Mundubile said at a press briefing.

The government has not been cited in the provided material as responding to the specific allegations.

New challenger disrupts race

Hichilema had appeared likely to secure a second term until Mundubile entered the race in May and gained the backing of several smaller opposition groups.

A lawyer by profession, Mundubile has had limited time to build a nationwide campaign under the newly formed NRPUP party.

Clashes at some of his early rallies, which he said involved unknown groups, led police to use tear gas against supporters. He subsequently shifted much of his campaign activity online.

Twelve other candidates are also contesting Thursday’s election, including a former foreign minister, although none is widely expected to pose a major challenge.

Zambia awaits Thursday’s vote

The election will determine whether Hichilema secures another five years at the helm of a country seeking to strengthen its role in the global green-energy transition.

With economic gains, jobs, living costs and political freedoms all featuring prominently in the campaign, voters will now decide whether to extend Hichilema’s presidency or give the opposition a chance to take power.