Written By Catherine Pule and George Musonda
OVER eight million Zambian voters are expected to take part in today's general election with the presidential bid boiling down to a two-horse race between President Hakainde Hichilema and Brian Mundubile.
Twelve other candidates, who election pundits have written off as political paperweights including Harry Kalaba, Dr Fred M'membe, Danny Pule and Given Katuta as the only female in the race are also vying for the presidency.
Judging by the campaign activities and crowds during the last two months, it's safe to say President Hichilema's main contender will Mundubile of NRPUP.
For President Hichilema, the campaign has centred on economic growth, increased production, job creation and continuity.
His manifesto outlined seven major economic targets projected to generate about US$65 billion in annual economic value and create more than two million jobs.
The targets include increasing copper production to three million tonnes annually, maize production to 10 million tonnes, soya bean production to three million tonnes, wheat production to one million tonnes, power generation to 10,000 megawatts, attracting five million tourists and achieving US$1 billion in beef exports.
The Head of State has also promised continued investment in road, rail and air transport infrastructure, including the modernisation of TAZARA, Zambia Railways and the Lobito Corridor railway project.
On energy, the President has pledged to continue investing in power generation in a bid to end load shedding.
On education, President Hichilema has pledged continued support for free education and promised to establish a public university in every province.
He has also promised to operationalise a 24-hour economy, expand public-private partnerships and attract more investment in strategic infrastructure.
At his rallies, President Hichilema has further promised to employ volunteer nurses and teachers in the next recruitment exercise if re-elected.
His administration has also increased the accommodation allowance from K3,900 to K5,850.
Aside manifesto and promises, President Hichilema has covered significant ground during the campaign, addressing 133 rallies across all 116 districts and 10 provinces.
Meanwhile, Mundubile's major campaign promises has been centred on abolishing cadreism, improving the welfare of transport workers and introducing mandatory life insurance for truck drivers.
Mundubile has also pledged to maintain the free education policy introduced under President Hichilema, but said his administration would go a step further by providing pupils with free school uniforms and learning materials.
He has also promised to empower marketeers with excavators, saying his government would support them with equipment to improve their livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.
He has also promised to support young people in the transport sector and engage Yango and taxi operators to improve their working conditions.
In the mining sector, Mundubile has promised to return dumpsites such as Black Mountain and Senseli to local small-scale miners, popularly known as Jerabos.
He has also pledged to return Kikonge Gold Mine to small-scale miners and provide them with equipment to improve productivity and safety.
The NRPUP candidate has further promised that volunteers who serve continuously for six months under his administration would be employed.
But while the presidential race has been dominated by the two, the 11 other candidates are also hoping to upset the political calculations when Zambians finally mark their preferred candidate on the ballot paper todah.
The other candidates include Given Mwenya Chansa of the Movement for Economic Emancipation (MEE), Dr Richard Silumbe of the Leadership Movement (LM), Harry Kalaba of Citizens First (CF), Dr Fred M'membe of the Socialist Party, Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF) of Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP), Howard Kunda of Zambia Wake Up Party (ZAWAPA), Dr Brian Mushimba of the Organised People's Party (OPP), Given Katuta, an independent candidate, Dr Dan Pule of the Christian Democratic Party (CDP), Richwell Siamunene of the New Focus Party (NFP) and Ackim Antony Njobvu of the Democratic Union (DU).
Among the notable challengers are Kalaba and Dr M'membe, who both contested the 2021 presidential election.
Dr Mushimba is a former Minister of Higher Education, while Katuta is a former Chiengi Member of Parliament.
As voters head to polling stations, calls for peace have also dominated the eve of the election.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has repeatedly urged political parties, candidates and voters to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after voting.
Police have also assured the nation of their preparedness to maintain law and order during the election period.
On Tuesday, Inspector General of Police Graphael Musamba expressed confidence that the Zambia Police Service was ready to ensure peace and security throughout the electoral process.
He warned that anyone found breaking the law would face the full force of the law.
And so, as voters head to polling stations, the campaign is over and the decision now rests with the people.
For President Hichilema, the question is whether Zambians will give him another five years to pursue his economic agenda.
For Mundubile and the other challengers, the task is to convince voters that they offer a better alternative.
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