Zambia’s Youth Could Decide Election as Economy Tops Agenda

Zambia’s Youth Could Decide Election as Economy Tops Agenda

Nearly 70 percent of Zambia’s population is under 30, and the youth vote is expected to play a decisive role in Thursday’s election, where the rising cost of living dominates the campaign [217502].

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Zambians head to the polls on Thursday to elect a president, lawmakers, and local councilors in the country’s eighth general election since returning to multi-party democracy [216185]. Fourteen candidates are competing for the presidency, with the main challenge coming from Brian Mundubile, who is seeking to unseat incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema [217468]. The race is widely seen as a two-person contest, though the large field could split the vote [217468].

The economy is the central issue for most voters. High prices for food, fuel, and basic goods have pushed the cost of living to the top of the electoral agenda [216212]. President Hichilema argues his policies have stabilized the country’s finances and brought long-term gains, while Mundubile insists those achievements mean little if ordinary citizens cannot afford daily needs [216212]. Economic recovery is the top concern, with many Zambians struggling with high living costs and limited job opportunities [216866].

Nearly half of all registered voters are between 18 and 35 years old, making this group a powerful force that could tip the election [216209]. Hichilema’s campaign has focused on students and young workers in the final days, urging them to support his bid for another term [216209]. However, historically, this demographic has shown lower voting rates, making their participation a critical unknown [216866].

On Wednesday, tens of thousands of supporters packed a final campaign rally in Lusaka as Hichilema made his last push for a second term [217474]. The incumbent’s campaign faces headwinds from public concerns over high living costs and a shortage of jobs [217474]. Opposition groups have also accused authorities of intimidating their candidates and backers, though Hichilema’s team denies the allegations [217474].

Zambia is a key player in the global mining sector, holding some of the world’s richest copper reserves, making the election’s outcome significant for international markets [216185]. Final results are expected within days of the vote [217474].

Sources

Zambia’s President Faces 13 Rivals in High-Stakes Vote #217468Zambia’s Hichilema faces second-term test as copper giant votes #216185Zambia’s President Rallies Students as Young Voters Could Decide Election #216209Zambia’s Election: Cost of Living Crisis Threatens President’s Re-Election Bid #216212Zambia’s 2026 Election: Economy and Youth Turnout at the Forefront #216866Zambia votes: Hichilema’s final rally draws tens of thousands #217474Zambia’s Youth Could Decide Election as Economy Tops Agenda #217502

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