Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second consecutive 5-year term in office, facing a robust challenge from the opposition leader amid public dissatisfaction with lingering difficulties despite economic improvements. The election commission announced that Hichilema garnered around 60% of valid votes, while his primary rival, Brian Mundubile, received approximately 38%.
Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis officially declared Hichilema as the president-elect of Zambia on August 18, 2026. This victory marked Hichilema’s seventh presidential bid, leveraging the advantages of being the incumbent, whereas Mundubile made his debut in the race for the presidency.
Throughout his campaign, the 64-year-old Hichilema highlighted his economic achievements since assuming office during a challenging period of pandemic-induced debt crisis in 2021. Zambia, known for its copper resources, has been a focal point for competition between global powers like China and the United States for its strategic minerals.
Following a relatively calm lead-up to the August 13 election, tensions escalated swiftly post-voting. International observers, including the European Union, noted that while the election itself was largely peaceful, the overall electoral process occurred in a context that restricted fundamental freedoms.
The aftermath saw a series of events, including the arrest of 11 individuals, including prominent opposition figures, in a raid marked by gunfire exchange in the presence of Mundubile. The electoral commission suspended vote-counting for a period due to reports of violence against poll workers and the theft of ballot papers.
Mundubile raised concerns about potential tampering with result forms from polling stations, calling for an urgent independent inquiry, which was refuted by Hichilema’s camp. The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed worry over the military’s involvement in the vote counting process, emphasizing that such responsibilities rest with the Zambia Police Service as per the constitution and statutes.
Despite potential legal challenges from the opposition, analysts suggest that the likelihood of success is slim. While localized political tensions may arise, widespread unrest is not anticipated in the days ahead following the election outcome.
