Antony Chawagarira
ZAMBIA has gone to the polls today to elect the President, Members of Parliament and councillors in a closely watched national election.
Polling stations opened across the country this morning, with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema among 14 presidential candidates contesting the election.
About eight million registered voters are expected to participate in the election, with polling stations scheduled to close at 6pm.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia is expected to announce the results by Monday next week.
Under Zambia’s Constitution, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the valid votes cast to win the election outright.
Should none of the candidates attain the required threshold, the two leading candidates will proceed to a presidential run-off, which must be held within 37 days of the first round.
The election has attracted regional attention, with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) calling for peace, tolerance and respect for democratic processes throughout the electoral period.
Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika, urged Zambians to maintain peace before, during and after voting.
The election comes as Zambia continues to grapple with economic and social challenges, with the incoming administration expected to focus on economic recovery, job creation, development and improving livelihoods.
The polls are therefore seen as an important test of the country’s democratic processes and its commitment to peaceful political transitions.
Zambia’s neighbours and the wider SADC region are closely monitoring the election, with stability in the country regarded as critical to regional peace and economic cooperation.
