Zambian voters turned out in large numbers on Thursday to cast their ballots in the general elections amid a largely peaceful atmosphere.
LUSAKA, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Zambian voters turned out in large numbers on Thursday to cast their ballots in the general elections amid a largely peaceful atmosphere.
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who bids for a second term, voted at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School in Lusaka, the country's capital, calling for voters to remain calm, exercise maximum patience and cooperate with election officials during the voting process.
Hichilema is facing competition from 12 other candidates, including Brian Mundubile, who is contesting under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.
Godfrey Chilabi, spokesperson for the police, said during a press briefing on Thursday that reports received from various parts of the country indicate that the voting process has been conducted in a peaceful environment.
Some voters expressed happiness with the peaceful conduct of the elections, saying it had enabled them to exercise their right to vote without interference.
Tina Banda, a first-time voter, told Xinhua she was happy to exercise her democratic right to participate in the elections.
"I am very happy to participate in these elections because I was looking forward to really participating, and the day has finally come," she said.
Henry Chanda, another voter who arrived at the polling station early to cast his ballot, told Xinhua that he was glad to see the voting process had been peaceful.
Voting is expected to end at 6:00 p.m. local time (1600 GMT), after which counting will commence.
According to Zambia's electoral body, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of valid votes to win; otherwise, a runoff will be held. ■
