Hichilema, Mundubile lead crowded race

Under Zambia’s electoral system, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 % of the valid votes cast to be declared the ultimate winner. However, the model of the election is known as 50 plus one. Consequently, if none of the candidates reaches the required threshold, the election will proceed to a run-off between the two candidates who obtained the highest number of votes.

The possibility of a second round has therefore, added another layer of uncertainty to an already closely watched election. With 14 candidates competing for the presidency, the opposition vote could be divided amongst several candidates, potentially making it difficult for anyone contender to cross the 50 percent-plus-one threshold in the first round. As voting starts today (Thursday), by Friday evening, it will be clearer on who is winning the presidential race.