LUSAKA, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zambia held general elections on Thursday, with about 8.7 million registered voters casting ballots for president, National Assembly members and local representatives.
Polling stations across the country opened at 6 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, the presidential candidate of the ruling United Party for National Development, is facing competition from other candidates, including Brian Mundubile, who leads the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.
According to the Electoral Commission of Zambia, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of valid votes to win; otherwise, a runoff will be held.
The election covers 226 constituencies and 1,858 wards, with polling set to close at 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT). ■