Incumbent Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema casts his vote at a polling station in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 13, 2026. (Martin Mbangweta)

NNA News - Zambian voters turned out in large numbers on Thursday to cast their ballots in the country’s general elections, with authorities reporting a largely peaceful voting process.

Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second term, voted at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School in Lusaka and called on voters to remain calm and patient throughout the electoral process. Hichilema also urged voters to cooperate with election officials as polling stations across the country processed voters. The president is competing against 12 other candidates, including Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.

Zambian police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said reports from different parts of the country indicated that voting had proceeded peacefully. “Reports received from various parts of the country indicate that the voting process has been conducted in a peaceful environment,” Chilabi said during a press briefing on Thursday.

Communities came out in numbers at a polling station in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 13, 2026. (Martin Mbangweta)

The peaceful atmosphere allowed voters to exercise their democratic rights without significant interference. Tina Banda, a first time voter, said she was pleased to participate in the election after looking forward to casting her ballot. “I am very happy to participate in these elections because I was looking forward to really participating, and the day has finally come,” she told Xinhua.

Another voter, Henry Chanda, said he arrived at his polling station early and was encouraged by the peaceful conduct of the process. Voting was scheduled to close at 6 p.m. local time, after which election officials were expected to begin counting the ballots. According to Zambia’s electoral body, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of valid votes to win the presidency. If no candidate reaches the required threshold, a runoff election will be held.

A staff member inks a mark on a voter's thumb to prevent multiple voting at a polling station in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 13, 2026. (Martin Mbangweta)

The election marks a key democratic process for Zambia, with voters choosing the country’s president and other elected representatives.