Vote Counting Begins After Peaceful Polling
Vote counting is under way in Zambia after polling stations closed on Thursday in an election that could determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema secures a second five-year term.
The Zambia election 2026 was largely peaceful, with long queues reported at polling stations across the country and only isolated delays. More than eight million registered voters were eligible to choose the country’s president, members of parliament and local council representatives.
The election is being closely watched as a test of Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s more stable democracies, amid concerns over political freedoms and the treatment of opposition voices.
Hichilema Seeks Second Term
Hichilema, 64, is seeking a second and final five-year term after defeating his opponents in the 2021 presidential election on his sixth attempt.
His campaign has focused heavily on job creation and a major infrastructure programme. The president is also seeking public support for his government’s economic record, which includes debt restructuring, a stronger currency and lower inflation.
Speaking after voting, Hichilema said his administration had already completed difficult economic reforms and now wanted to deliver faster growth that would benefit ordinary Zambians.
“After doing the heavy lifting, such as debt restructure, restoring the mining sector, now we want a step change in the growth so that we can take care of society,” he said, according to AFP.
Cost of Living and Jobs Dominate Campaign
The economy was among the most important issues for voters during the Zambia election 2026. Although the government has overseen an economic recovery, many citizens said they had yet to experience significant improvements in their daily lives.
Unemployment and the rising cost of living were major concerns, particularly among young voters.
Civil society monitors reported that voting was generally orderly, although there were some delays and procedural issues. International observers were also present to monitor the process.
Mwiche Nalupumbwe, 26, was among voters who arrived early to queue despite chilly morning temperatures in the capital, Lusaka.
“Zambians are frustrated and this election is a 50-50, that is why we are all here early to make the change,” he told AFP.
Mundubile Emerges as Main Challenger
Fourteen candidates are contesting the presidency, but the race has largely been viewed as a contest between Hichilema and Brian Mundubile.
Mundubile is a former minister in the Patriotic Front government that ruled Zambia from 2011 until 2021. His political alliance has attracted support from people who backed former President Edgar Lungu.
After casting his ballot, Mundubile said his campaign represented peace, unity and greater opportunities for young people and women.
“This is indeed our second independence. I want every Zambian to celebrate this day,” he said.
Another voter, Samuel Chitendwe, a 47-year-old welder and father of four, said he supported Mundubile because he remained dissatisfied with claims of economic progress.
“I have just come from firing someone. We are tired of stories about economic progress,” he told Reuters.
Hichilema Supporters Point to Improvements
Not all voters shared those concerns. James Phiri, a 29-year-old University of Zambia student, said he voted for Hichilema, commonly known as HH.
“I voted for HH because he cares about us,” Phiri told Reuters, pointing to the reintroduction of meal allowances as one improvement.
The contrasting views reflect the wider debate surrounding the Zambia election 2026, with voters assessing both the government’s economic achievements and whether those gains have translated into better living conditions.
Dispute Over Edgar Lungu Adds Political Tension
Political divisions have also been heightened by a continuing dispute surrounding former President Edgar Lungu, who died more than a year ago.
Lungu’s body remains unburied in South Africa amid a disagreement between his family and Hichilema. The dispute has become another source of tension between supporters of the former president and the current administration.
Mundubile’s alliance has drawn support from some of Lungu’s former political backers, adding significance to his challenge against Hichilema.
Concerns Over Political Freedoms
While the Zambia election 2026 was largely peaceful, concerns have been raised about the country’s democratic freedoms.
Amnesty International has accused Hichilema’s government of restricting certain rights and freedoms in the period leading up to the election. Zambian authorities have not publicly responded to the accusation in the information available.
The concerns have increased scrutiny of the election and whether Zambia can maintain its reputation for democratic stability while protecting political participation and civil liberties.
Presidential Run-Off Possible
Under Zambia’s electoral system, a presidential candidate must receive more than 50% of valid votes to win in the first round.
If no candidate achieves that threshold, a second-round election must be held within 37 days.
The result of the Zambia election 2026 will therefore depend not only on Hichilema’s support but also on how votes are distributed among the 14 presidential candidates.
As counting continues, voters, political parties and international observers are waiting to see whether Zambia will return Hichilema for a second term or head towards a presidential run-off.