Zambia votes now.
Millions vote in Zambia's 2026 general elections, marked by peaceful start and some logistical hurdles.
Key Points
Senanga South had a very small electorate of 559 registered voters, with voting beginning peacefully in the constituency.
The National Election Results Centre was opened at the Mulungishi International Convention Centre in Lusaka and is described as more than a physical facility, signaling the ECZ's commitment to a transparent, accessible results process for stakeholders.
A total of 14 presidential candidates are contesting the election, including incumbent Hakainde Hichilema and opposition candidate Brian Mundubile.
ECZ has begun deploying poll staff in Kanchibiya District with briefings for uniformed personnel, the media, NGOs and faith-based organizations; staff are taking oaths of affirmation and deployment is to be completed by midday.
Kitwe polling stations reported logistical hiccups, notably Riverside, Valleyview where ballot papers had just arrived and some voters were unsure which voting stream they had been assigned to; at State House, some voters said their names did not appear on their assigned streams.
Millions of Zambians headed to the polls on Thursday in the country's 2026 general elections, with about 8.79 million registered voters choosing a president, lawmakers, and local representatives Africanews. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who cast his own ballot and urged citizens to "turn out in large numbers," faces 13 other presidential candidates, including main opposition challenger Brian Mundubile Malawi Freedom Network.
Voting was described as broadly peaceful across most of the country, though scattered logistical problems caused delays at some stations. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) confirmed that anyone still in line at 18:00 will be allowed to vote Malawi Freedom Network.
Hichilema's Economic Record on the Ballot
This election is widely seen as a verdict on Hichilema's first five years in office France 24. Zambia is a copper-rich nation, but many voters are frustrated by the high cost of living. The economy did return to growth under his watch, yet widespread hardship persists WFMZ.
Voters are also picking members of the National Assembly and local government leaders Africanews. The outcome of the presidential race is being closely watched across the region. Hichilema's ability to win a second term depends largely on whether voters credit him for economic progress or blame him for rising prices.
Logistical Hiccups Hit Several Polling Stations
Kitwe saw some of the worst early problems. At the Riverside Valleyview station, ballot papers arrived late. At State House, some voters found their names missing from their assigned voting streams Malawi Freedom Network. These issues caused confusion and short delays, though polling eventually got underway.
Not every constituency struggled. In Senanga South, voting began peacefully among just 559 registered voters Malawi Freedom Network. The contrast highlights how unevenly logistical challenges played out across Zambia's diverse and spread-out districts.
ECZ Deploys Staff and Opens National Results Centre
The ECZ moved quickly to get poll workers in place. In Kanchibiya District, staff received briefings covering uniformed personnel, the media, NGOs, and faith-based groups. Workers took oaths of affirmation, with full deployment targeted for midday Malawi Freedom Network.
In Lusaka, the ECZ opened the National Election Results Centre at the Mulungushi International Convention Centre. Officials called it more than just a building — a sign of the commission's commitment to a transparent and open results process for all stakeholders Malawi Freedom Network.
What Happens After Polls Close at 18:00
Polling stations are set to close at 18:00 local time, though voters already in line will still be served Malawi Freedom Network. With 14 presidential candidates on the ballot and millions of votes to count, results are expected to trickle in over the coming hours and days.
The race between Hichilema and Mundubile is seen as the key contest Malawi Freedom Network. International observers and regional governments are watching closely. A peaceful and credible vote would mark a significant moment for democracy in southern Africa.
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