Zambia Votes as Hichilema Seeks Second Term Amid Calls for Change

Zambians are voting today in a closely watched presidential election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema remains in power for another five years.

Polling stations opened across Zambia on Thursday, August 13, as millions of registered voters cast their ballots in presidential, parliamentary and local elections.

President Hakainde Hichilema, 64, is seeking a second term after taking office in 2021. He is campaigning on his government’s economic record, including progress in restructuring the country’s debt after Zambia defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020. However, high living costs and concerns about whether economic improvements have reached ordinary households remain important issues for voters.

Hichilema faces several opposition candidates, with Brian Mundubile regarded as his main challenger. Mundubile is a veteran parliamentarian and first-time presidential candidate who is backed by opposition groups associated with former President Edgar Lungu. He has presented himself as an alternative to the current government and has called for political change.

The election comes as Hichilema’s administration faces criticism from opposition groups and other critics over allegations of political repression, including claims involving the treatment of opposition figures and restrictions on political activity. The government has rejected such accusations and has maintained that it is committed to free, fair and peaceful elections.

Zambia has long been regarded as one of the more established multiparty democracies in Africa, making the conduct and outcome of this election important both inside the country and across the region.

About 8.8 million voters are registered for the 2026 election. The poll is also the first general election held under constitutional changes adopted in 2025, which expanded representation in the National Assembly. A total of 226 constituency seats are being contested, compared with 156 constituency seats under the previous system, alongside additional seats allocated through proportional representation.

The presidential race will be decided under a two-round system. A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the valid vote to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, a second round will be held.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has scheduled the verification of presidential results from August 15 to August 17, with the declaration of the election results scheduled for August 17.

For Hichilema, the election is a test of whether voters believe his economic policies and reforms have delivered enough progress to earn him another term. For the opposition, it is an opportunity to convince voters that Zambia needs a different political direction.

With voting taking place across the country, attention now turns to turnout, the performance of the main opposition candidates and whether Hichilema can secure the majority required to avoid a second round.