LUSAKA — Zambians began voting on Thursday in a presidential election that will determine whether incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema secures a second term, with voters also choosing lawmakers and local government representatives.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) scheduled the poll for Aug. 13, with 8,786,300 registered voters eligible to participate, according to the commission's certified voter register.
Hichilema, who was elected in 2021, is seeking another five-year term against a field of opposition candidates that includes Brian Mundubile of the Tonse Alliance. The election is being closely watched for its implications for the government's economic reform programme and amid concerns over the cost of living.
The presidential vote requires a candidate to secure more than 50% of valid votes to win outright, according to the ECZ. If no candidate reaches that threshold, a second round is provided for under Zambia's electoral system.
The ECZ's official timetable says verification of presidential and parliamentary results is scheduled from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, with the declaration of election results scheduled for Aug. 17.
No official presidential results had been announced at the time of publication. The ECZ remains responsible for tallying and declaring the final result, and further developments are expected as voting and counting proceed.
