Zambia went to the polls Thursday with economic hardship testing President Hakainde Hichilema's record as he seeks a second term to govern the copper-rich nation.

With nearly 70 percent of Zambia's population under the age of 30, the youth vote is expected to play a decisive role in determining the country's next government.

Economic recovery, youth turnout, women's representation and judicial independence are among the issues shaping Zambia's vote on Thursday.