Lusaka – Zambians vote Thursday in a closely watched presidential election that will test whether recent economic gains can offset frustration over the high cost of living in one of Africa’s most stable democracies. Up to 8.7 million voters — a majority of them women — will decide whether Hichilema’s economic reforms deserve another term or whether the opposition can turn widespread discontent into a comeback. His victory marked a rare peaceful transfer of power to an opposition party through the ballot box in Africa. Chinese companies are major players in the mining sector, underscoring Beijing’s outsized economic influence in the country. The vote will also test Zambia’s reputation for political stability amid growing concerns over restrictions on dissent and a narrowing political space.