The fate of President Hakainde Hichilema now rests with Zambia’s voters as officials count ballots from an election shaped by economic concerns, unemployment and growing debate over political freedoms.
Polling ended on Thursday after more than eight million registered voters took part in choosing a president, lawmakers and local leaders. The vote was largely peaceful, with long queues reported at several polling stations and only isolated delays.
Fourteen candidates were contesting the presidency, but the race was largely viewed as a battle between Hichilema and Brian Mundubile, who campaigned on the platform of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP).
Mundubile, a former minister in the Patriotic Front (PF) government that governed Zambia between 2011 and 2021, has drawn backing from supporters of the late former President Edgar Lungu.
The opposition candidate used his final appeal to call for national unity while promising greater opportunities for young people and women.
"This is indeed our second independence. I want every Zambian to celebrate this day," he added.
Mundubile had earlier said he represented "peace and unity", seeking to tap into frustrations among voters who say the country's economic recovery has not translated into better living conditions.
Hichilema, 64, is seeking to extend his presidency after securing victory in 2021 on his sixth attempt. His campaign has highlighted progress made during his first term, including restructuring Zambia’s debt, strengthening the currency and bringing inflation down.
The president has also placed job creation and infrastructure development at the centre of his bid for another five years.
However, unemployment and the cost of basic goods remained key concerns during the campaign, giving the opposition an opening to challenge the government's record.
Speaking after voting, Hichilema said the country had already tackled some of its biggest economic problems and was now looking to build on those gains.
"After doing the heavy lifting, such as debt restructure, restoring the mining sector, now we want a step change in the growth so that we can take care of society," Hichilema is quoted by the AFP saying after he voted.
The election also came amid questions over Zambia’s democratic record. Amnesty International criticised the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration over what it described as restrictions on rights and freedoms in the period leading up to the vote. Zambian authorities have yet to respond to the accusation.
The political atmosphere has also been affected by the unresolved dispute surrounding Lungu’s burial. The former president died more than a year ago, but his remains are still in South Africa following a disagreement between his family and Hichilema.
The dispute has added to political tensions between supporters of the former ruling party and the current government.
On voting day, civil society groups reported that the process was generally orderly, despite some delays and procedural problems. International observers were also monitoring the exercise.
In Lusaka, voters turned up early despite cold morning weather, with some forming queues before polling stations opened.
Mwiche Nalupumbwe, 26, said many voters were determined to use the election to demand change.
"Zambians are frustrated and this election is a 50-50, that is why we are all here early to make the change," he told the AFP news agency.
But Hichilema also had supporters who said they had seen improvements under his administration.
"I voted for HH because he cares about us," James Phiri, a 29-year-old student at the University of Zambia, told the Reuters news agency, using a common nickname for the president.
"Things are better after he re-introduced meal allowances," he said.
The electoral commission now has until the end of Sunday to announce the results. Hichilema needs more than half of all votes cast to win outright, while failure by any candidate to reach that threshold would lead to a run-off.