1. TODAY – ELECTION DAY (August 13, 2026)
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Polls: Open 6am–6pm local time (16:00 GMT).
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Voters: ~8.79 million registered voters across 12,000+ polling stations.
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Candidates: 14 cleared; top contenders:
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Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema (UPND) – seeking 2nd term.
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Brian Mundubile (Tonse Alliance) – main challenger.
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Others: Fred M’membe (Socialist), Harry Kalaba (Citizens First), Kelvin Fube Bwalya, and 9 more.
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Atmosphere: Mostly peaceful; some delays in Northern Province. Both top candidates expressed confidence after voting.
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Key Issue: Cost of living (despite IMF projecting 4.3% GDP growth).
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New Map: First election using redrawn constituencies (+70 new ones added just before polls).
2. RESULTS TIMELINE (ECZ Official)
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Vote date: August 13.
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Verification: August 15–17.
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Final declaration: Expected by August 17 (administrative target, not legally required).
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Winning threshold: Must exceed 50% to avoid a run-off (within 37 days).
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ECZ message: Chairperson urged public to avoid misinformation; pledged impartiality and timely updates.
3. OBSERVER ROADMAP
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SADC (SEOM): Observation ends August 24; preliminary statement on August 15.
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EU EOM: Launched today in Lusaka – 6th EU mission to Zambia since 2001 (government-invited).
