By Suleman Chitera

LUSAKA, Zambia — Voting has begun across Zambia as citizens head to polling stations to elect the country’s leaders in the 2026 General Elections.

President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking another mandate and is being challenged by opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who is campaigning for the presidency as voters make their choice on the country’s political direction.

In Senanga South, residents turned out peacefully early Thursday morning to cast their ballots, with electoral officials reporting a smooth start to voting across polling stations in the constituency.

The peaceful turnout marked the beginning of an important electoral process in the constituency, as registered voters exercised their democratic right to choose their preferred candidates.

According to electoral officials, Senanga South has 559 registered voters eligible to participate in the election.

Polling stations opened to allow voters to cast their ballots, while election officials continued with procedures aimed at ensuring that voting proceeds in an orderly and transparent manner.

The early voting process in Senanga South was characterised by calm and orderly participation, with voters arriving at polling stations to fulfil their civic responsibility.

The election is being closely watched as Zambia chooses its next political leadership. The contest between Hichilema and Mundubile is expected to be a major focus of the presidential race, with voters across the country determining whether to retain the current leadership or support an opposition alternative.

Beyond the presidential contest, Zambians are also voting for representatives at other levels of government, making the election significant for the country’s political and governance landscape.

The peaceful beginning of voting in Senanga South will be closely monitored throughout the day as electoral authorities proceed with the management of polling, vote counting and the eventual announcement of results.

For voters, the election represents an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right and have a direct say in who should lead the country.

Authorities and electoral stakeholders have continued to urge voters and political actors to maintain peace throughout the voting process and to respect established electoral procedures.

As polling continues, attention will remain on voter turnout, the conduct of the process and the overall credibility of the election as Zambians determine the leaders they want to govern the country.

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