Zambia: Zambia votes in presidential by-elections

Voters in Zambia are going to the polls in a presidential election caused by the death of Michael Sata last year.

The vote is expected to be a close contest between Edgar Lungu from the governing Patriotic Front and Hakainde Hichilema from the United Party for National Development.

The BBC's Nomsa Maseko in Lusaka says candidates have vowed to improve the education system and create jobs.

The winner will serve out the remaining 18 months of Michael Sata's term.

Zambia is due to hold a general election in 2016.

Largely peaceful
In the Lusaka suburb of Kanyama, a crowd of voters applauded when a presiding officer declared the polling station open.

Local food trader Grace Nyirongo said she was satisfied with the government.

"We want the government to continue with the projects started by Sata. Frankly there's no need to start afresh," she said.

But vegetable seller Matron Siyasiya said her vote was "going to make a difference, we are going to remove this...(PF) family".

The Patriotic Front held its final rally in a suburb of Lusaka on Monday as campaigning drew to a close.

Correspondents said the party has been presenting a united front following some bitter infighting over its candidate.

Interim President Guy Scott, who was a close ally of the former president, told supporters that "Michael Sata is still the spirit behind this party".

Presidential candidate Edgar Lungu (R) with acting President Guy Scott at rally in Lusaka. 19 January 2015

Mr Scott - a white Zambian of Scottish descent - was barred from contesting the election himself because his parents were not born in Zambia.

Mr Lungu has portrayed himself as a candidate for continuity and has said he wants to complete economic development projects initiated by Mr Sata.

His closest rival, the economist and opposition leader Mr Hichilema, says he has the experience necessary to revamp Zambia's economy.

Correspondents say the election campaign has been largely peaceful.

However, electoral commission Chairwoman Irene Mambilima said she had "noted with dismay" some violent incidents.

In a nationwide address on Monday night, Mr Scott vowed to crack down on any post-election violence.

Polling stations opened at 06:00 (04:00 GMT) and will close at 18:00.

The electoral commission said that counting of the ballots should begin shortly after polls close with results due to be announced within 48 hours.

Michael Sata, who was Zambia's fifth president, died in London last October at the age of 77.

-BBC