Zambians went to the polls on Thursday, 13 August 2026, in a general election where President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term in office, according to Graphic Online.
The vote comes as the southern African nation weighs its economic future, with the campaign period marked by debate over the country’s copper resources. Graphic Online reports that the election is taking place against a backdrop of political tension, including lingering questions about the legacy of Hichilema’s main political rival.
The Financial Times notes that the contest has effectively become a battle over the windfall from Zambia’s copper sector, a key driver of the economy. The Economist, in a separate assessment, has described Hichilema as a “regressing reformer,” suggesting that his first term has fallen short of early promises on change.
The Guardian adds that the election is being haunted by the ghost of the incumbent president’s arch-rival, a reference to the political shadow cast by past leadership. That dynamic has added an emotional layer to the campaign, with voters weighing both economic performance and political history.
Polling stations opened across the country on Thursday morning, and results are expected in the coming days. The election is being closely watched regionally, as Zambia is a major copper producer and a bellwether for democratic transitions in Africa.
What to watch next: whether Hichilema secures a clear majority or faces a runoff, and how the copper revenue debate shapes the final outcome.
