Hichilema Re-Elected as Zambia President with 60.5% of the Vote

Lusaka — President Hakainde Hichilema has been declared the winner of Zambia’s 2026 general election, securing a second five-year term after obtaining 2,965,326 votes, equivalent to 60.49% of the valid ballots cast, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced in the early hours of 18 August.

His closest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), polled 1,856,217 votes, or 37.87%.

The remaining candidates shared less than two percent of the vote combined.

A total of 4,902,050 valid votes were recorded from a registered electorate of 8,786,300, giving a turnout of 57.2%.

ECZ Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, formally declared the result.

“I therefore declare Hichilema Hakainde S. to be president-elect of the Republic of Zambia this 18th day of August, 2026," she declared.

Hichilema cleared the constitutional threshold of more than 50% required to avoid a run-off by a comfortable margin.

The declaration covered results from all 226 constituencies.

In a statement following the announcement, President Hichilema said he was humbled to serve the people of Zambia again.

 “We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands, to hold our nation’s highest office and to be your servant, once more," he said.

He added that the election had demonstrated Zambia’s democratic character.

“This election showed the world who we are: a nation of peace, a nation of law and order, a democratic nation that settles our differences at the ballot box and nowhere else," Hichilema said.

Addressing those who voted for other candidates, he said "we hear you, and we will continue to work for you.”

The election, held on 13 August, was however marked by some disruptions.

Counting was briefly suspended after reports of attacks on election officials and the theft of ballot papers in certain areas.

It resumed under heightened security. Opposition figures raised concerns about irregularities and the process, while authorities rejected the claims.

Supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) celebrated in the streets of Lusaka and other centres after the results were announced.

The vote also decided the composition of an expanded National Assembly and local government positions.

Hichilema, who first took office in 2021, campaigned on his record of economic stabilisation, debt restructuring and macroeconomic recovery in Africa’s second-largest copper producer.

Mundubile, making his first presidential bid, focused on cost-of-living pressures still faced by many citizens.

The opposition leader has also officially rejected the August 2026 election results and announced that he will launch a legal challenge in court.

The final outcome confirms Hichilema’s second consecutive term and extends the UPND’s hold on the presidency until 2031.