2026 - Zambian General Elections (Zambia)

Zambia will hold its general election on Thursday, 13 August 2026, when citizens will vote simultaneously for the President, members of the National Assembly, mayors or council chairpersons, and ward councillors. Polling will run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has registered 8,786,300 voters across the country, with voting taking place in 226 constituencies and 1,858 wards. Fourteen presidential candidates are on the electoral field, representing 13 political parties alongside one independent candidate.

The election is particularly significant because it is the first general election conducted after major constitutional and electoral reforms adopted in 2025 and 2026. These reforms increased the number of constituencies from 156 to 226 and introduced proportional-representation seats reserved for women, young people and persons with disabilities. In the presidential contest, a candidate must secure more than 50 per cent of valid votes cast to win; otherwise, the two leading candidates proceed to a run-off within 37 days.

Beyond choosing political leaders, the 2026 election will  also be an important test of Zambia's democratic institutions and the implementation of its revised electoral system, while voters weigh competing proposals on economic management, employment, public services and national development.

Results Summary