Incumbent Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has praised the peaceful conduct of the country’s general elections, contrasting the smooth voting process with the violence that marred the previous polls in 2021.

Around eight million registered voters headed to the polls across Zambia to elect a President, Members of Parliament, and local government representatives. Hichilema, who is seeking a second five-year term after steering the nation through economic recovery efforts, cast his ballot at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School in the capital, Lusaka.

Speaking to journalists shortly after voting, Hichilema attributed the calm environment directly to his administration’s governance over the past five years.

According to the Electoral Commission of Zambia, official election results are expected to be announced by Monday, August 17. Under Zambian electoral law, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the total votes cast to secure an outright victory and avoid a second-round run-off.

–ChannelAfrica–