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The Zambian Government has declared August 13, 2026 a public holiday to allow eligible citizens to participate in the General Elections.
According to the circular addressed to all government ministries, departments and statutory bodies, the holiday is in line with Article 56 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of Zambia as amended by the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016.
The declaration was made through Cabinet Office Circular No.12 of 2026 issued by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa.
Kangwa said the Constitution provided that Zambia held General Elections every five years on the second Thursday of August to elect the President and Vice-President, Members of Parliament, Mayors and Council Chairpersons as well as Councillors.
“Further Article 56 (2), provides that the day on which a general election is held shall be a public holiday,” he stated.
Kangwa said pursuant to the constitutional provision, Thursday, August, 13, 2026, the day on which the general election would be held shall be a Public Holiday.
The circular further clarified that government operations would resume the following day, noting that the day after the polls will not be observed as a holiday.
“Please note that Friday, 14th August, 2026 will not be a holiday. It will be a working day. Addressees are hereby directed to urgently bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of all employees under their supervision, including Statutory Bodies,” Kangwa said.
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