---
title: "Zambia votes in presidential election testing Hichilema’s economic record"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/zambia-votes-in-presidential-election-testing-hichilemas-economic-record"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/zambia-votes-in-presidential-election-testing-hichilemas-economic-record"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/zambia-votes-in-presidential-election-testing-hichilemas-economic-record.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/zambia-votes-in-presidential-election-testing-hichilemas-economic-record"
category: "Politics"
area: "Africa"
published: "2026-08-13T06:46:34.855Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-13T06:25:17.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-13T07:15:39.169Z"
trust_score: 56
critic_score: 95
hype_score: 15
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-13T07:43:47.828Z"
---

# Zambia votes in presidential election testing Hichilema’s economic record

*Incumbent seeks second term amid frustration over cost of living and allegations of political intimidation*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 56 of 100, higher is better. Trust 56: AP report names President Hichilema and electoral commission, giving specific figures and location.
- Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Critic 95: article explains election significance, quotes Hichilema, provides specific data and next steps clearly.
- Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. Hype 15: language is measured; no sensationalism or clickbait evident.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Voting began on 13 August 2026 in Zambia’s presidential election, with results expected on 17 August.
- President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term amid frustration over unemployment, food prices and electricity supply.
- The election is widely viewed as a referendum on Hichilema’s economic reforms, which he argues need five more years to deliver results.
- Opposition parties have accused the government of using state institutions to target rivals, allegations the government denies.

Zambians began voting on 13 August 2026 in a presidential election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema secures a second term. Around 8 million of the country’s 22 million citizens are registered to vote, according to the electoral commission. Polls opened at 06:00 local time and will close 12 hours later. Results are expected on 17 August.

Hichilema faces 13 other candidates, with Brian Mundubile of the opposition alliance seen as his strongest challenger. The election is widely regarded as a referendum on Hichilema’s economic record. He argues that his reforms, including debt restructuring and efforts to attract investment, require more time to deliver tangible benefits. Critics, however, point to persistent unemployment, high food prices and unreliable electricity as evidence that his policies have failed to improve living standards.

The election is also being closely watched internationally due to Zambia’s role as a major copper producer. Hichilema has sought investment from both China and Western partners to increase annual copper production to 3 million metric tons by 2031. Security concerns have risen in the final days of the campaign, with police deploying additional officers and warning against violence or disruptions at polling stations.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mentioned the opposition’s accusations of state interference or the police warnings against violence. The centre-rated digests did not report the specific target for copper production or the presence of EU observers. The left-rated digests did not carry the opposition leader’s claim that the election was unlikely to be free and fair, as reported by IOL.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 31 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 42% (13)
- Centre: 51% (16)
- Right: 7% (2)

5 of 36 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-13T07:43:47.828Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 3 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-13T08:00:20.088Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The nine left-rated digests and the Associated Press report led on the election as a test of Hichilema’s economic reforms and the widespread frustration over the cost of living. The Associated Press report quoted voters huddled around fires in Lusaka, described the presence of European Union election observers, and noted that many Zambians say they do not feel the benefits of economic growth. It also detailed Hichilema’s argument that he inherited an economy in crisis and needs another five years to deliver results.
- The Africa News digest highlighted the size of Hichilema’s final campaign rally, noting tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Lusaka. The report also mentioned concerns over jobs, living costs and allegations of opposition intimidation. None of the left-rated digests omitted the number of registered voters or the expected date of results.

### Centre

- The 13 centre-rated digests uniformly led on the election as a test of Hichilema’s economic reforms and the cost of living. Radio France Internationale’s digest described Hichilema as the favourite but noted he was under pressure. Tagesschau’s digest framed the election as a choice between copper, reforms and high prices. The IOL digest quoted an opposition leader who said the election was unlikely to be free and fair, a claim not carried in the left-rated digests.
- None of the centre-rated digests mentioned the number of candidates Hichilema faces, the presence of EU observers, or the specific target for copper production. The digests from Rutland Herald, The Herald Journal and mykxlg.com carried only the bare fact that polls had opened and Hichilema was seeking a second term.

### Right

- The single right-rated digest, from Anadolu Ajansı, led on the number of candidates vying for the presidency, stating that 14 candidates were in the race. It did not mention the cost of living, economic reforms, or the expected date of results. The digest also did not carry the number of registered voters or the presence of EU observers.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 6
- high: 20
- unknown: 6
- veryHigh: 4

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [France24](https://france24.com/fr/info-en-continu/20260813-pr%C3%A9sidentielle-en-zambie-le-bilan-%C3%A9conomique-du-sortant-hh-%C3%A0-l-%C3%A9preuve-des-urnes) — President in Zambia: the Economic Performance of Exit "HH" in the Ballot Box
- [LaProvence.com](https://laprovence.com/article/france-monde/8760171697322914/presidentielle-en-zambie-le-bilan-economique-du-sortant-hh-a-lepreuve-des-urnes) — President in Zambia: the Economic Performance of Exit "HH" in the Ballot Box
- [Al Jazeera](https://aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/13/polls-open-in-zambia-presidential-election-as-economic-reforms) — Polls open in Zambia presidential election as economic reforms tested
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/africa/polls-open-in-zambia-s-general-election-with-large-voter-turnout/4025869) — Polls open in Zambia’s general election with large voter turnout
- [Times Malawi](https://times.mw/apm-calls-for-peace-as-zambians-vote) — APM calls for peace as Zambians vote
- [aletihad.ae](https://aletihad.ae/news/%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A/4684927/%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A6%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7) — Presidential Elections Begin in Zambia
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3035852/eleitores-da-zambia-votam-hoje-para-eleger-presidente-e-deputados) — Zambian Voters Vote Today to Elect President and Deputies
- [INTELLINEWS](https://intelli.news/2026/08/13/elections-en-zambie-une-success-story-economique-face-au-verdict-des-urnes) — Elections in Zambia: an Economic “Success Story” versus the Verdict of the Ballot Box
- [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660188) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [InnisfilToday.ca](https://innisfiltoday.ca/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660188) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Prince George Citizen](https://princegeorgecitizen.com/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660191) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Bowen Island Undercurrent](https://bowenislandundercurrent.com/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660191) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [The NOTL Local](https://notllocal.com/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660188) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Tagesschau](https://tagesschau.de/ausland/afrika/wahl-sambia-106.html) — Zambia Before the Election: Copper, Reforms and High Prices
- [SooToday.com](https://sootoday.com/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660188) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Orillia Matters](https://orilliamatters.com/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660188) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Sudbury](https://sudbury.com/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660188) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Bay Today](https://baytoday.ca/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660188) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/world-news/zambians-cast-ballots-in-a-presidential-election-that-tests-incumbents-economic-reforms-12660188) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Radio France Internationale](https://rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20260813-zambie-hakainde-hichilema-favori-mais-sous-pression-%C3%A0-l-heure-du-verdict-des-urnes) — Zambia: Hakainde Hichilema the Favorite, but Under Pressure as the Election Verdict Approaches.
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/africa/zambia-votes-as-president-seeks-second-term/article_1e76d1df-d5d5-57d3-99c9-fb8e3ebb1c9b.html) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Battlefords NOW](https://battlefordsnow.com/2026/08/12/zambia-votes-as-president-seeks-second-term) — Zambia votes as president seeks second term
- [Newsday](https://newsday.com/news/nation/zambia-election-hichilema-mundubile-v64863) — Zambians cast ballots in a presidential election that tests incumbent's economic reforms
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/zambia-election-hichilema-mundubile-c2e3a627284296099089e03d2454e3b7) — Zambia votes as president seeks second term
- [Audacy](https://audacy.com/kmox/news/world/zambia-election-hichilema-mundubile-c2e3a627284296099089e03d2454e3b7) — Zambia votes as president seeks second term
- [WBOC 16](https://wboc.com/news/international/zambia-votes-as-president-seeks-second-term/article_927b24b1-df76-53e4-a282-fe11be329c2e.html) — Zambia votes as president seeks second term
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/world/2026/08/13/zambia-votes-as-president-seeks-second-term) — Zambia votes as president seeks second term
- [News 4 JAX](https://news4jax.com/news/world/2026/08/13/zambia-votes-as-president-seeks-second-term) — Zambia votes as president seeks second term
- [Rutland Herald](https://rutlandherald.com/news/world/polls-have-opened-in-zambia-for-an-election-in-which-president-hakainde-hichilema-is-seeking/article_9faae4a6-dc29-5fd2-8e42-b79389f8457c.html) — Polls have opened in Zambia for an election in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term
- [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/world/polls-have-opened-in-zambia-for-an-election-in-which-president-hakainde-hichilema-is-seeking/article_38b69372-9aad-586c-b3cf-cdd804cbb835.html) — Polls have opened in Zambia for an election in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term
- [mykxlg.com](https://mykxlg.com/news/world/polls-have-opened-in-zambia-for-an-election-in-which-president-hakainde-hichilema-is-seeking/article_8ea57a19-0fb4-567c-8813-ae230f483da5.html) — Polls have opened in Zambia for an election in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term
- [pmg-ky3.com](https://pmg-ky3.com/ap/ap_news/polls-have-opened-in-zambia-for-an-election-in-which-president-hakainde-hichilema-is-seeking/article_ba27c605-8899-51ce-abae-c47c438c4c85.html) — Polls have opened in Zambia for an election in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term
- [union-bulletin.com](https://union-bulletin.com/news/world/polls-have-opened-in-zambia-for-an-election-in-which-president-hakainde-hichilema-is-seeking/article_46ef6ddf-3d12-50cf-94d8-d2d42101c2b2.html) — Polls have opened in Zambia for an election in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/08/12/zambia-votes-as-president-seeks-second-term) — Zambia votes as president seeks second term
- [IOL](https://iol.co.za/news/africa/2026-08-12-opposition-leader-says-zambia-election-unlikely-to-be-free-and-fair) — Opposition leader says Zambia election unlikely to be 'free and fair'
- [Africa News](https://africanews.com/2026/08/12/hichilema-rallies-thousands-as-zambia-heads-to-presidential-vote) — Hichilema rallies thousands as Zambia heads to presidential vote

## Questions

**How many candidates are running in Zambia’s presidential election?**

President Hakainde Hichilema faces 13 other candidates in Zambia’s presidential election, as reported by the Associated Press. Anadolu Ajansı stated there were 14 candidates in total, including Hichilema. The election is seen as a referendum on Hichilema’s economic reforms.

**When will Zambia’s election results be announced?**

The electoral commission expects to announce results on 17 August 2026, four days after voting began. This timeline was reported by the Associated Press and carried in multiple digests, though some centre-rated digests did not mention it.

**What are the main issues in Zambia’s election?**

The election is widely viewed as a referendum on President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic reforms, with frustration over unemployment, food prices and unreliable electricity supply dominating concerns. The Associated Press and left-rated digests emphasised these issues.

**Did any outlets report concerns about election fairness?**

IOL, a centre-rated outlet, reported that an opposition leader claimed the election was unlikely to be free and fair. This claim was not carried in the left-rated digests or the single right-rated digest from Anadolu Ajansı.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/zambia-votes-in-presidential-election-testing-hichilemas-economic-record. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Zambia votes in presidential election testing Hichilema’s economic record", https://mediabias.news/politics/zambia-votes-in-presidential-election-testing-hichilemas-economic-record