Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema says he is happy with the competition of about 14 candidates in the presidential race, describing it as healthy for democratic dispensation.

Hichilema disclosed that he is not threatened by competition because that is how it should be.

With less than a week before the general elections, campaigns are heated with candidates drawing huge crowds as they sell their manifestos.

There are isolated pockets of violence between rival party members, and the police are on their toes to do what they are supposed to do, maintaining law and order.

Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday, incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema says he is happy with the very competition he is in.

"We are proud to have competition in this election. Elections are very important. After all, elections are ultimate in a democratic period, five years in our case. We are happy to have competition; that's the way it should be."

Zambia goes to the polls next week on Thursday to elect the president, about 240 members of Parliament, local government council chairs, mayors and councillors.