Zambia Votes in Presidential Election on Economic Record

Zambians voted on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in a presidential election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema secures a second term, with the outcome hinging on his record of economic recovery amid persistent hardship for many citizens. Polling stations across the southern African nation opened at 6:00 a.m. local time and were scheduled to close 12 hours later, with 8.7 million registered voters eligible to cast ballots. The winner must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff, and preliminary results are expected by August 17.

Hichilema, 64, is seeking to build on his 2021 victory, which came after five previous failed attempts. His campaign has emphasized job creation and an ambitious infrastructure drive. Since taking office, his government has overseen a reduction in inflation to 6.8 percent as of April and a strengthening of the national currency, the kwacha. Zambia, a major copper producer, defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020. Under Hichilema, the country has since restructured more than $12 billion in debt and completed an International Monetary Fund-supported program. His long-term plan includes a pledge to triple annual copper...