Zambians vote in election seen as test of economic reforms

Zambians are voting in general elections seen as a test of whether years of economic reforms have improved living standards. Inflation has fallen sharply from 24 percent in 2021 to 6.8 percent in April, but high food, fuel and electricity costs continue to strain households. President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term against 14 opponents, with opposition parties accusing his government of restricting political freedoms during the campaign. Hichilema's United Party for National Development rejects allegations of intimidation and harassment. His main challenger, Brian Mundubile, says police interference and violence have made campaigning difficult. The government points to Zambia's debt restructuring and completion of an IMF-supported loan programme as signs of economic progress. But official statistics show 60 percent of Zambians live below the national poverty line, highlighting the gap between economic indicators and people's everyday experiences.

Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports from Zambia for Al Jazeera.

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