By Joseph Dumbula
Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika has called on Zambians to uphold peace, tolerance and democratic principles as the country prepares for a closely watched general election on Thursday, August 13.
Speaking in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Mutharika urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic right to choose the country’s next leaders.
The Malawian leader underscored the importance of a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process, with Zambia’s vote attracting significant regional attention as SADC seeks to reinforce democratic standards and political stability across Southern Africa.
SADC has deployed an Electoral Observation Mission to Zambia to observe the electoral process in accordance with the bloc’s revised Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. The mission is headed by former Malawi Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu, who was appointed by Mutharika.
Observers are expected to assess key aspects of the electoral process, including the campaign environment, voting, counting and the initial stages of results consolidation. The mission is expected to issue its preliminary assessment after the polls.
For Mutharika, the election is not only important to Zambia but also to the wider region, where peaceful political transitions and credible electoral processes remain central to SADC’s broader agenda on democracy, security and stability.
Millions of Zambians are expected to cast their ballots on Thursday in an election that pits incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema against a field of challengers led by Brian Mundubile. Hichilema, who swept to power in 2021, is seeking a second term under the UPND Alliance, while Mundubile is contesting as the leading candidate of the opposition Tonse Alliance.
The presidential race is unfolding against a complex economic backdrop. Hichilema’s administration points to progress in restructuring more than $12 billion in external debt and efforts to expand copper production, but many ordinary Zambians continue to grapple with high food and energy costs.
Political tensions have also featured prominently in the run-up to the vote, with opposition figures raising concerns about the political environment and alleging restrictions on their activities. The government and its supporters, meanwhile, are campaigning on economic reforms and the progress made since Hichilema assumed office.
Polling stations are scheduled to open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m., with voters choosing a president as well as representatives at parliamentary and local government levels.
Under Zambia’s presidential electoral system, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the valid votes cast to win outright. Should no candidate cross that threshold, the two leading contenders would proceed to a runoff.
As Zambia heads into election day, Mutharika’s message places the emphasis on restraint, tolerance and respect for the democratic process, with the conduct and outcome of the vote set to be closely watched across the SADC region.
