Despite there was campaign violence that believed to reduce turnout, Millions of Zambians went to the polls on Thursday to elect a president and national lawmakers.

The main contest, pitting President Edgar Lungu against a wealthy businessman, Hakainde Hichilema, who are considered to be in rat race.

Voting on Thursday appeared to go smoothly in the capital, Lusaka, where Election Day is a national holiday. Shops closed and roads were clear of traffic.

Prior to voting day, on Wednesday, Mr. Lungu urged voters to give him a full term.

“I have been on probation for one year, six months, and I think I have done very well,” he said at a rally.

He added that while he would respect the election results, he would not allow somebody to take power through “violence or intimidation.”

His rival, Mr. Hichilema, who is seeking the presidency for the fifth time, said that he was better equipped to revive the economy.

“We are business people,” he said. “We understand the economy; this economy is broken.”

To change the economy of Zambia centered on their manifestos as with slowdown in China decreased demand for copper and as prices collapsed, Zambia’s economy tumbled.

Ballots are expected to be counted in a few days. But if no presidential candidate earns more than half the votes, a runoff will be held within 37 days.