MEET THE PANEL Name: Pauline Songiso Age: 27 Lives: Livingstone Job: Journalist

I am from the south and I will vote for Hakainde Hichilema.

A look at his CV and knowing how long he has been in the business world did it for me.

People from the world of business know how to manage financial aspects of life better. I think he will manage our economy better.

And for now, that is what we need.

I have heard a lot of promises over a lot of things from the other presidential candidates but on this aspect - our country's economy - the promises have been lacking.

Brain drain is our second biggest problem.

Hakainde Hichilema is a newcomer to the political scene

Why is this happening? Why are so many of our skilled citizens going? Because there are no jobs.

People go so they can realise their dreams.

Teachers would rather just cross over the border into Botswana than work here at home. If they go even for one contract they can make enough money to be able to meet their dream.

If our economy is boosted then there will be enough good jobs to go round.

Skilled Zambians have achieved high academic levels. Take our teachers - they are the best but now they are demotivated. They are not giving their best. They have too many worries of their own.

ZAMBIAN VOTERS' VIEWS Naomi Banda Jonathan Mutanga Pauline Songiso Chance Kaonga

The main thing is the pay but working conditions in general are also poor.

I have a child. Every morning I wake up and go to work so I am able to invest in his future. I want to be give my child the best education that I can.

What is the point of taking our children to school if they are not going to aspire to be president?

It all goes back to education.

And Mr Hichilema appreciates this.