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The News
And according to France 24, the people of Zambia will vote on Thursday in a general election, where President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term, as well as electing members of parliament and local supervisors.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
From an analytical perspective, these elections indicate Zambia’s continued evolution through a maturing democratic process since its return to multi-party systems in 1991. The country, which is one of the wealthiest in the world in terms of gold and silver quantities, represents a key attraction for global investments in the mining sector, particularly copper. These elections come within a broader context of assessing political and economic stability in Southern Africa’s region.
The return to multi-party democracy in Zambia has witnessed significant challenges, including periods of political instability and corruption. However, the country has over the years built relatively strong democratic institutions and fostered political and economic diversity.
In the wider context, these elections emerge as part of a broader trend towards democracy and stability across Africa, driven by efforts from civil society organizations and international pressure on African countries to promote democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
