Zambians vote in general elections as peace prevails

Zambian voters turned out in large numbers on Thursday to cast their ballots in the general elections amid a largely peaceful atmosphere.

Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second term, voted at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School in Lusaka, the country's capital, calling on voters to remain calm, exercise patience and cooperate with election officials during the voting process.

Hichilema is facing competition from 12 other candidates, including Brian Mundubile, who is contesting under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.

The election was a test of Hichilema's first five years in office, during which the economy returned to growth that critics say has yet to translate into better living standards for ordinary households.

His government also faces criticism over efforts to narrow the space for dissent, with claims that opposition figures were detained before voting day.

"After doing the heavy lifting, such as debt restructuring and restoring the mining sector, now we want a step change in growth so that we can take care of society," Hichilema, 64, said after casting his ballot.

"We have embarked on reforms that have delivered results despite challenges such as drought and the debt burden," he said. "There is a lot more to be done."

Godfrey Chilabi, spokesperson for the police, said during a press briefing on Thursday that reports from various parts of the country indicate that the voting process has been conducted in a peaceful environment.

Some voters expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the elections, saying it had enabled them to exercise their right to vote without interference.

Most polling stations closed as scheduled at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT), with counting expected to begin the same night and presidential results due by Monday.

According to Zambia's electoral body, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of valid votes to win; otherwise, a runoff will be held.