Zambia Votes as Polls Open at 6:00 a.m. in High-Stakes Presidential Election
Millions of Zambians are voting after polls opened at 6:00 a.m., with polling stations scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m.
Founder & Chief Editor · 13 August 2026 · 2 min read
LUSAKA, Zambia — Voting started at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, across Zambia, with millions of citizens casting ballots in a presidential election that puts President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record to the test. Polling is scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. local time.
Hichilema is seeking a second term against 13 challengers, with opposition candidate Brian Mundubile among his main rivals. Voters are also electing members of Parliament and local government leaders.
The election is taking place against a backdrop of improved economic indicators but continuing public concern over the cost of living, food prices, unemployment and electricity supply.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia says 8,786,300 voters are registered for the election across the country's 10 provinces.
An AFP photograph accompanying coverage of the opening of the polls shows a woman casting her ballot at a polling station in Lusaka on August 13, 2026. Photo: AFP.
Founder & Chief Editor
Founder and Chief Editor of Osmara Digital Media. Journalist and historian telling Africa's stories through an African lens, from West Nile to the continent.
