Zambians went to the polls on Thursday, 13 August 2026, in a general election that will test whether President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic gains since a pandemic-era debt crisis are enough to secure him a second term.

Analysts say the 64-year-old incumbent is favoured to win, thanks to the advantages of incumbency and a fractured opposition. His main rival, first-time presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, has nonetheless drawn large crowds in some areas.

Hichilema took office in 2021 and guided Zambia through a major debt restructuring and economic recovery after the country defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020. Speaking after voting at a school in the capital, Lusaka, he said his priority remains development.

“We have embarked on reforms that are delivering results … even under challenges such as the debt that we inherited,” Hichilema told reporters. “But there’s a lot more to be done.”

While macroeconomic indicators have improved, including lower inflation and a stronger currency—many voters continue to struggle with high living costs, which analysts view as the main potential vulnerability for the president. Results are expected in the coming days, with a candidate needing more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.