Zambians Head to Polls in Key Democracy Test

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA - Zambians head to the polls Thursday to choose a new president, Parliament and local representatives in a general election that analysts say will be a test for one of Africa's pillars of democracy.

President Edgar Lungu, 64, faces his fiercest competition from a familiar challenger, 59-year-old Hakainde Hichilema, one of 15 opposition candidates. Analysts predict a tight race to determine the country's political future, and a second round could result if a candidate does not receive more than 50% of the ballots cast. Security concerns have risen amid violent clashes in recent weeks between supporters of the two major parties — the ruling Patriotic Front and the opposition United Party for National Development. One of the confrontations left two people dead. Police officers have been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any violence during the polls.