What happens if nobody reaches it?

The top two candidates contest a run-off within 37 days.

Is Zambia heading for a run-off in 2026?

To finish above the line, Hakainde Hichilema needs 49.9% of the votes still outstanding. With 4 of 226 constituencies declared, most of the result is still outstanding.

What is Zambia's 50% plus one rule, and will there be a run-off?

To win the Zambian presidency outright a candidate must take more than 50% of valid votes cast. Not the largest share, more than half. If no candidate clears that line, the two highest-placed candidates contest a run-off within 37 days.

This is why the leading candidate's share matters more than the size of their lead. A candidate can be far ahead of everyone else and still fall short, because the test is against the whole field rather than against the runner-up.

As things stand, Hakainde Hichilema (United Party for National Development) is on 60.28% with 4 of 226 constituencies declared. To finish above the line, Hakainde Hichilema needs 49.9% of the votes still outstanding.

Rejected ballots do not count toward the total, because the threshold is measured against valid votes cast.

Common questions

What share does a Zambian presidential candidate need to win?: More than 50% of valid votes cast.
What happens if nobody reaches it?: The top two candidates contest a run-off within 37 days.
Is Zambia heading for a run-off in 2026?: To finish above the line, Hakainde Hichilema needs 49.9% of the votes still outstanding. With 4 of 226 constituencies declared, most of the result is still outstanding.

Figures update as the ECZ announces, see the live count, or take the open data. Last updated Fri 14 Aug, 23:40.