Zambians went to the polls with the economy, the rising cost of living and unemployment weighing heavily on voters, while young people emerged as an important force in shaping the country’s political direction.
The election has been closely watched, with president Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term against opposition candidate Brian Mundubile and other presidential contenders.
Speaking on Desert FM’s midday report, Zambian journalist Nelson Zulu said voting was largely peaceful, with strong turnout reported at polling stations across the country.
Zulu said about 8.7 million people were registered to vote, with women making up the majority of registered voters. He said some voters had arrived at polling stations as early as 02h00 to ensure they could cast their ballots.
“The atmosphere has largely been very peaceful and calm,” Zulu said.
While there were some problems at polling stations, particularly involving voters who were unsure where to vote following the delimitation process, he said the overall process moved smoothly.
The strong turnout comes against the backdrop of a campaign in which the economy has been one of the main issues.
Hichilema’s government has pointed to debt restructuring, economic growth, lower inflation, free education and increased foreign investment as some of its achievements since taking office. But Zulu said there is a gap between the country’s economic figures and what people are experiencing in their daily lives.
“These numbers appear only good on paper,” he said, pointing to the continued increase in the cost of transport, fuel and other basic expenses.
For many Zambians, the question is whether economic growth means much if unemployment, the cost of living and the cost of doing business remain high. Zulu said that concern has also been reflected among young voters.
Nearly 70% of Zambia’s population is under the age of 30, making the youth vote particularly important in the election.
Zulu said young people were among those turning up early to vote, but their concerns go beyond simply choosing a political party. For young people who are not in school or university, he said, the main issue is access to employment and economic opportunities.
“The youth wants a government that will prioritise their needs,” Zulu said, adding that job creation and equal access to opportunities remain major expectations.
African Union youth ambassador for peace and Girls Gone Political founder Ruth Kangwa says there was genuine excitement among young Zambians, particularly first-time voters.
Young voters, she says, are increasingly asking whether their participation in elections will actually result in changes in their everyday lives.
“Our parents have voted before and we’ve heard promises. Now we want to see our vote produce actual change in our everyday life,” Kangwa says.
This year’s election introduced changes to the country’s electoral and parliamentary representation system, including reserved seats for young people, women and people with disabilities through proportional representation.
Kangwa says there is a noticeable change in the questions young people are asking.
“They are asking: will the economy of Zambia post the election allow me to create something for myself?” she says.
Social media is another major factor in the election, particularly among younger voters.
Kangwa says platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and other social media networks have effectively become political meeting places for young people.
But she warns that the same platforms can also be used to spread misinformation, hate speech and political propaganda. Her concern is that false information could fuel tensions and divisions among citizens.
“No one should let their phone become somebody else’s political weapon,” she says.
The election has taken place against the backdrop of the unresolved legacy of former president Edgar Lungu, whose death and the disputes surrounding his funeral and burial have remained a subject of political discussion.
