Zambians are voting in an election that will usher in the country's fourth President.The election comes after the death of President, Levy Mwanawasa, on August 19.
Polling stations opened at 06.00 hours across the country on Thursday to enable the 3.9 registered voters to cast their ballots.
An early assessment shows that the voting is peaceful, with most polling stations recording a relatively fair turnout.
The polling stations will close at 18.00 hours and the first results are expected on Friday.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia- ECZ- has opened a center in Lusaka which will release presidential election results as they trickle in from various parts of the country.
ECZ Chairperson Justice, Florence Mumba, said the center is expected to announce the first presidential results by Friday morning.
Presidential candidates have in the last few weeks travelled across the country to sell their manifestos to the electorate.
The candidates wrapped up their campaigns with public rallies in Lusaka on Wednesday afternoon.
Four candidates are contesting Thursday's presidential election.
These are MMD's Rupiah Banda, Hakainde Hichilema of the UPND, Patriotic Front leader, Michael Sata and Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda of the Heritage Party.
[ZNBC Online]
