Voting for president has begun in Zambia, where voters will decide if
President Hakainde Hichilema's economic reforms were enough to overcome
widespread frustration over the cost of living.

Around 8 million people in the country of 22 million are registered to vote.

In addition to voting for president, voters will also choose members of
Parliament and local government councilors.

Results are expected early next week.

Hichilema faces over one dozen other candidates, but Brian Mundubile of an
opposition alliance is expected to be his strongest challenger.

The election is widely seen as a referendum on the president's handling of
the economy.

The president came into power in 2021 and is seeking a second term, and says
thathe has overseen the restructuring of Zambia's foreign debt and led
economic growth...

but many Zambians say they're not feeling the beneftis, as unemployment, food
prices, and an unstable power supply strain household budgets.

Zambia has long been regarded as one of southern Africa’s more stable
democracies, with a history of largely peaceful transfers of power.