Zambia has opened polls in an August 13 general election widely seen as a test of whether President Hakainde Hichilema's first-term economic reforms have improved daily life. About 8.7 million to 8.79 million voters are registered, 14 candidates are contesting the presidency, and Hichilema faces opposition candidate Brian Mundubile as voters also choose 226 members of parliament. The government points to debt restructuring, the completion of its IMF-supported programme, easing inflation and a stronger kwacha, but many households still face high food, fuel and electricity costs, unemployment and weak incomes. Copper, which generates about 70 percent of export earnings and more than 10 percent of GDP, remains central to the campaign, while the vote is also drawing scrutiny over claims that political space for dissent has narrowed. Presidential results are expected by August 17, and the winner must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a run-off.