Zambia election: Young voters may hold the cards

Zambia is expected to hold tightly contested presidential and parliamentary elections on Thursday, with many voters – especially the youth – worried about the economic turmoil that has hit the copper-rich nation.

The governing Patriotic Front (PF) swept to power in 2011 on the promise of “less taxes, more money in people’s pockets and more jobs”. It says it has remained true to its pro-poor policies.

“A lot of work has gone into stopping the bleeding of the economy and we are now on the path to recovery,” PF campaign spokesman Amos Chanda said.

But the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) says that President Edgar Lungu – who is running for office again – has not met the expectations of Zambians.

The view is supported by University of Zambia political science lecturer Charity Musamba.

The PF says that during its 10 years in office it has improved the lives of people through its huge drive to expand infrastructure.

It highlights new power stations, schools, hospitals and international airports in Lusaka, the capital, and Ndola, the gateway to the copper-mining region that lies at the heart of Zambia’s economy.