Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday in a general election widely expected to give President Hakainde Hichilema a second term, although frustration over the cost of living may dent his support. Hichilema has led the southern African copper producer since 2021 and is running on his economic record, having steered Zambia through a debt restructuring and economic rebound since it defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020. His main challenger is Brian Mundubile, an experienced parliamentarian but first-time presidential candidate who is leading an opposition alliance backed by supporters of Hichilema's predecessor, the late former president Edgar Lungu. Opposition weakened by divisions The presidential, parliamentary and local government elections will be held simultaneously. A presidential candidate must receive more than 50% of votes cast in order to win in the first round, or faces a run-off between the top two contenders. "I am tempted to think the ruling party will carry the day despite the huge crowds we are seeing at the rallies for (Mundubile)," said historian and analyst Euston Chiputa. "One of the serious weaknesses in the opposition camp is that it is splintered," he said, with parliamentary and local government candidates from Mundubile's party and those from his running-mate's party competing against each other in some places.