Zambia declares Aug. 13, 2026 a public holiday for general election

THE Zambian government has declared Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, a public holiday to allow citizens to vote in the general election. Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick K. Kangwa said in a circular that the declaration is in line with Article 56(1) and (2) of the Constitution of Zambia, as amended by the Constitution Amendment Act

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THE Zambian government has declared Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, a public holiday to allow citizens to vote in the general election.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick K. Kangwa said in a circular that the declaration is in line with Article 56(1) and (2) of the Constitution of Zambia, as amended by the Constitution Amendment Act No. 2 of 2016.

Under the Constitution, Zambia holds general elections every five years on the second Thursday of August. The 2026 election will be for President and Vice-President, Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and Councillors.

“Further, Article 56(2) provides that the day on which a general election is held shall be a public holiday,” Kangwa said. The holiday is intended to “accord all the eligible voters an opportunity to participate in the elections.”

Kangwa clarified that Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, will not be a holiday and will be a working day.

He directed all heads of government institutions and statutory bodies to bring the circular to the attention of employees under their supervision.

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