Counting is under way in Zambia after voting closed on Thursday in the general election where President Hakainde Hichilema was seeking a second five-year term.

🌐 Here's What Happened

In order to win outright in the first round a presidential candidate needs more than half the votes cast, otherwise a run-off election is triggered.

Polling day was largely peaceful, with queues reported in many areas and only isolated delays. The more than eight million registered voters had the chance to elect a president, MPs and local councils.

The vote was seen as a test of Zambia's reputation as one of Africa's most stable democracies, amid concerns that political freedoms are being undermined.

📌 Key Details

Queues were seen at polling stations during a chilly morning in the capital, Lusaka

Unemployment and the rising cost of living were major issues for voters. Despite steering Zambia through an economic rebound Hichilema faced a challenge that many people said their circumstances have not improved.

Fourteen candidates were on the ballot, but the contest was largely seen as a two-horse race between the incumbent and his main challenger Brian Mundubile.

Mundubile is a former minister in the Patriotic Front (PF) government that ruled from 2011 to 2021, with his alliance drawing support from backers of the late former President, Edgar Lungu.

Speaking after casting his ballot on Thursday, he said he stood for "peace and unity", as well as the empowerment of young people and women.

"This is indeed our second independence. I want every Zambian to celebrate this day," he added.

📰 Source: BBC Africa