“My vote is just a drop in the ocean,” says Hichilema after casting ballot

9 Views President Hakainde Hichilema cast his ballot on Thursday in Zambia’s 2026 General Election and made a direct appeal to citizens to come out and vote before polls close at 18:00 hours. Speaking after voting, the Head of State said his individual ballot was only a small part of a much larger decision that […]

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President Hakainde Hichilema cast his ballot on Thursday in Zambia’s 2026 General Election and made a direct appeal to citizens to come out and vote before polls close at 18:00 hours.

Speaking after voting, the Head of State said his individual ballot was only a small part of a much larger decision that will shape the country’s next five years.

“My vote alone is just one among many,” President Hichilema said. “It is the millions of votes together that will decide the path Zambia takes going forward.”

President Hichilema voted at Kabulonga Boys polling station in Lusaka and was accompanied by the First Lady Mutinta Hichilema and his sons.

President Hichilema urged all registered voters who have not yet gone to the polls to do so, asking them to go to their designated polling stations with both their green National Registration Cards and their voters’ cards in order to be verified.

“To those who are still at home, please make your way to the polling station,” he said. “This is your opportunity to decide.”

He also encouraged Zambians to speak to people around them — family members, friends and neighbors — and remind them to participate.

At the same time, he stressed the need for calm. Voters, he said, should respect that every person has the right to choose freely and without pressure.

The President linked Thursday’s vote to the mandate given to his administration in 2021.

“Five years ago you put your confidence in us,” he said. “Now, the choice for the next five years is back with you, the people of Zambia.”

He framed the election not as a contest between individuals, but as a collective exercise in determining national direction.

According to him, the power to set policy, choose leadership, and define priorities rests with voters when they enter the ballot booth.

President Hichilema described voting as a core expression of democracy. He said the strength of the country’s democratic system is refreshed each time citizens exercise their right to elect leaders.

“Democracy grows stronger every time we vote,” he said. “Today it belongs to every Zambian who is standing in line, waiting patiently to make their voice heard.”

He noted that long queues seen in parts of Lusaka, the Copperbelt and other provinces were a sign of public interest. The patience shown by voters, he added, reflects a commitment to the process.

He urged election officials, party agents and security personnel to continue ensuring that voting remains orderly and that the will of the people is protected.

While calling for a massive turnout, the President also asked Zambians to maintain peace throughout the day and into the counting period.

He said differences of opinion are normal in an election, but they should not lead to conflict.

“Encourage each other to vote,” he said. “But also respect each other’s choice. That is how democracy works.”

He reminded citizens that the outcome will affect communities across all ten provinces, from urban centers to rural areas, and that participation is what gives the result legitimacy.

Zambians are voting today for the presidency, parliamentary seats, and local government positions. More than 8 million voters are registered nationwide.

Polling stations opened at 06:00 hours. The Electoral Commission of Zambia has said voting will continue until 18:00 hours, after which counting will begin at each station in the presence of party agents and observers.

President Hichilema said the next government will inherit important decisions on the economy, service delivery, jobs and governance. That is why, he argued, it matters that as many people as possible take part.

“Do not sit this one out,” he said. “Come in large numbers and vote.”

In his final remarks to the media, the President struck a unifying tone.

He thanked citizens for turning out and for conducting themselves peacefully so far. He said the images coming from polling stations across the country showed maturity and a shared commitment to the democratic process.

He then offered a prayer for the nation as voting continues.

“May God bless the people of Zambia,” he said. “May God bless our country.”

By mid-morning, reports from the Electoral Commission indicated that voting was proceeding smoothly in most areas, with materials delivered on time and party representatives present at polling centers.

As the day progresses, officials and political leaders have continued to urge voters to take advantage of the remaining hours to cast their ballots.