LUSAKA, Zambia
In the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, the Electoral Commission of Zambia formally declared President Hakainde Hichilema the winner of the August 13, 2026, general election, securing him a second five-year term. Official results showed Hichilema garnering between 60% to 61.4% of valid votes, equating to between 2.965 to 2.97 million ballots. His main rival, Brian Mundubile, secured approximately 38% between 1.856 to 1.86 million votes while the remaining candidates trailed far behind. Commission Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis announced the result following the tallying of votes from all constituencies 226 in total , confirming Hichilema as president-elect without the need for a runoff.
Hichilema, 64, a member of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), based his campaign primarily on the economic stabilization achieved during his first term, which began in 2021 amidst a pandemic-induced debt crisis. Key achievements included a successful debt restructuring, a reduction in inflation dropping from peaks above 24% to single-digit figures around 6.5% an increase in foreign currency reserves, and a recovery in copper production to its highest levels since independence. Copper-rich Zambia remains strategically important amid the competition between China and the United States for critical minerals, and investors welcomed the continuity of Hichilema’s business-friendly policies.
Despite these macroeconomic gains, cost-of-living pressures significantly shaped the contest and limited the margin of Hichilema's victory. Many voters pointed out that improvements in general economic indicators had not translated into lower prices for staples like maize flour, reduced fuel and transport costs, or general relief for household finances. Mundubile, running for the presidency for the first time, capitalized on this discontent by arguing that Zambian citizens continued to face hardships despite the economic recovery. Analysts noted that the opposition's unexpectedly strong performance reflected persistent public frustration regarding poverty levels, electricity shortages, and the unequal distribution of growth benefits.
The electoral process faced significant challenges. While the August 13 vote proceeded largely peacefully, the vote count was temporarily suspended the following day after reports of violence against election staff and the theft of ballot papers. Opposition figures alleged irregularities and possible tampering with result sheets accusations rejected by Hichilema’s camp. Some opposition leaders were arrested in a post-election police operation, with authorities claiming they posed a threat to state security; the opposition dismissed these actions as fabricated. International observers noted that, although the voting itself was generally orderly, the overall climate had restricted political freedoms.
In a statement following the announcement of the results, Hichilema expressed humility at the renewed confidence placed in him and highlighted Zambia’s democratic nature, affirming that differences are settled at the ballot box. He specifically addressed his opponents' supporters, pledging to govern for all citizens and ensure that the benefits of development reach a wider segment of the population. Although the opposition is not expected to overturn the result, localized tensions cannot be ruled out in the coming days. Hichilema now faces the challenge of translating macroeconomic stability into tangible improvements in living standards during his second term.