– LUSAKA, Zambia
President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second five-year term on September 1, 2026, at the National Heroes Stadium. The ceremony drew thousands of supporters and several African leaders, including Kenya's William Ruto. Hichilema, first elected in 2021, took the oath of office alongside Vice President Mutale Nalumango and pledged to steer Zambia from economic stabilization toward broader growth.
Official results from the August 13 election gave Hichilema nearly 60.5% of the vote (2.97 million ballots), compared to the 37.9% secured by his main rival, Brian Mundubile. The Electoral Commission declared him the winner on August 18 after receiving data from all constituencies having surpassed the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff.
The process faced serious criticism. Observers noted irregularities in the vote count, a temporary nationwide suspension of the tallying process due to reports of violence and ballot theft, and the deployment of soldiers to polling stations. Many observers concluded that Hichilema would have won regardless, even without the disputed figures.
Tensions escalated further following a security operation on August 14 linked to Mundubile’s camp, which resulted in the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya. Subsequently, Mundubile and his running mate were arrested and charged with treason charges both men denied. Access to the courts was restricted during the window for filing complaints, preventing any formal legal challenge to the results.
These controversial election have raised doubts about democratic progress in Zambia under Hichilema, who had previously criticized earlier governments for employing similar tactics. While his first term succeeded in stabilizing the copper-rich economy, arrests, restrictions, and questions regarding the vote count have cast a shadow over his new term.