General elections in Zambia
On Thursday, Zambia held its 2026 general elections, with about 8.7 million registered voters casting ballots for president, National Assembly members and local government representatives. When nearly nine million people go to the polls to determine the future of their country, democracy ceases to be an abstract concept – it becomes the living breath of a nation. Zambia, one of the most stable democracies in sub Saharan Africa, held its general elections on Thursday, which will determine not only the name of the president but also the country's development path for the next five years.
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who came to power in 2021 on a wave of promises of economic revival, now faces serious challenges: inflation, debt crisis and public discontent. His main rival – Brian Mundubile, leader of the opposition party – promises change. But the outcome depends not only on the candidates' popularity but also on turnout, weather and trust in the electoral system. Zambia, which has never known military coups, once again demonstrates an example of peaceful transfer of power – or its retention – through a procedure recognised by international observers.
Polling stations across the country opened at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT). Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, the presidential candidate of the ruling United Party for National Development, faces competition from other candidates, including Brian Mundubile, leader of the National Party for Reconciliation, Unity and Prosperity. According to Zambia's Electoral Commission, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of valid votes to win. Otherwise, a second round will be held. The elections cover 226 constituencies and 1,858 polling stations, with voting due to end at 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT).
Zambia, the former British colony of Northern Rhodesia, gained independence in 1964 and has held many elections since, but only in recent decades have they become truly competitive. The current elections are taking place amid economic difficulties: the country suffers from high inflation, rising public debt and a shortage of foreign currency. Hichilema, elected in 2021, promised to revive the economy and fight corruption, but progress has been slow.
The opposition, led by Mundubile, criticises the government for failing to tackle the crisis. Turnout is expected to be high, especially among the youth, who make up a significant part of the electorate. International observers, including missions from the African Union and the Commonwealth, are present at polling stations to ensure transparency. The outcome of the elections could affect the investment climate and Zambia's relations with international creditors, including the IMF and China.
As CCTV+ reports, Zambians have made their choice, and now it remains to wait for what path the ballots will choose for the country – the path of continuing reforms or a change of course, and this decision will determine not only the fate of one African nation but also an example of peaceful democracy for the entire continent.
