Zambia, a southern African country rich in critical minerals, holds an election to decide if President Hakainde Hichilema will get a second five-year term. Hichilema was elected in 2021 and has restructured over $12 billion in debts to other countries and private creditors under his leadership.
Economic Recovery Plan
Hichilema’s long-term economic plan involves a pledge to more than triple Zambia’s copper output to 3 million metric tons a year by 2031. This would be a significant rise that could put Zambia ahead of the United States and China in terms of global producers of the in-demand critical mineral.
Despite the economic progress, ordinary Zambians are concerned about high food and energy costs. Critics argue that the macroeconomic stability hasn’t benefited most people in the landlocked country of some 22 million.
Presidential Candidates
Hichilema’s strongest challenger is likely to be Brian Mundubile, the leader of an opposition alliance called the Tonse Alliance. Mundubile, a 55-year-old law graduate, emerged as the leader of Tonse in January after it was embroiled in internal wrangles.
Voters in the one-day election will also choose lawmakers in Parliament and local government councilors. Around 8 million people are registered to vote. Zambia’s presidential election works on the 50% plus one system, where a candidate has to get an outright majority to win.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
