Zambia Voting Underway as 8.78 Million Registered Voters Head to Polls
Zambia is voting today, with 8,786,300 registered voters casting ballots in an election featuring 14 presidential candidates.
Founder & Chief Editor · 13 August 2026 · 2 min read
Voting is underway across Zambia today, August 13, 2026, as 8,786,300 registered voters cast their ballots to elect the country’s president, members of Parliament and local government leaders. The Electoral Commission of Zambia says polling is scheduled to run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fourteen presidential candidates are contesting the election, with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term. He faces 13 challengers, including opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who is considered one of his strongest competitors.
The election is taking place amid public debate over the cost of living, jobs, electricity supply and whether the government’s economic reforms have improved the lives of ordinary Zambians.
The presidential race will be closely watched, with a candidate required to secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright. Otherwise, the election will proceed to a runoff between the top two candidates.
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.
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