Zambians elect successor to Michael Sata

Eleven candidates are vying for the post of president in Zambia. The southern African country has been led since President Michael Sata's death by acting President Guy Scott, a white Zambian of Scottish descent who is not a candidate.

The main presidential contenders are Edgar Lungu of the ruling Patriotic Front party - which Sata founded - and Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the opposition United Party for National Development.

Zambia averaged 6 to 7 percent economic growth over the last decade as its mining sector boomed. But according to the International Monetary Fund, this has now slowed to 5.5 percent, partly because of lower revenues from copper after prices hit their lowest level in five years.

To make up for the shortfall, the government is asking the copper mining companies for higher royalties on their earnings. The government accuses the companies of having manipulated their accounts so as to avoid paying taxes, a charge which the companies refute.

Despite Zambia's mineral wealth, at least 60 percent of the population lives below the poverty line according to figures from the World Bank.

Geoffrey Chongo, an independent economist and Head of Programs at the Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection in Lusaka, told DW that "the mining companies have not been able to create the jobs that would have improved the standard of living."

Jobs for young Zambians

DW's correspondent in Zambia, Kathy Sikombe, said jobs for young people who make up more than two thirds of the population was one of the main demands being made by voters while candidates were on the campaign trail. There were also calls for lower taxes and a people-driven constitution.

Asked who she thought would win - Lungu or Hichilema - Lusaka resident Margaret Mumba said "they seem to be fifty fifty, but we will support whoever wins the elections."

Tisha Kena had words of praise for acting President Guy Scott. "For this period of transition, he did very well," she told DW.

Scott is not constitutionally eligible to run for Zambia's presidency because of his Scottish parentage.

Kena said "I just want to advise Zambians to vote wisely in this election. If they want to keep the same party or if they want to change it, it's all about their vote - that's what matters."

Sata's legacy

From another Luska resident, Kennedy Sichali, there was a twinge of regret at the passing of Michael Sata. "I think I would love to see another Sata being put in office - the eager, sincerity of a person, who didn't hide anything, spoke up, that's leader I would want to have once again.

Tens of thousands of Zambians turned out to bid farewell to Sata at his state funeral in Luska in November. He came to power in 2011 on promises to transform the country within in 90 day by tacking corruption, lowering taxes and creating jobs. But critics say that by the time he died he had turned into an authoritarian populist on an anti-graft crusade that targeted his political opponents.

Boniface Chembe, political analyst at the University of Zambia, told DW the candidates had conducted their campaigns "in by and large a peaceful manner," but added that political violence remained a "serious concern to many people."

The winner of Tuesday's election will serve out the remainder of Sata's term which lasts until September 2016.