LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second five-year term after securing approximately 60 per cent of the valid votes cast in the country’s presidential election.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia declared Hichilema the winner on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, following the August 13 election.
His closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, finished second with about 38 per cent of the vote.The victory gives Hichilema, who first took office in 2021, another five-year mandate to lead the southern African nation.
He campaigned on his administration’s economic record, including efforts to restore Zambia’s finances following the country’s 2020 debt default and attract investment into the mining sector.
However, the election was not without controversy. Vote counting was temporarily suspended after election officials were attacked and marked ballot papers were reportedly stolen at some polling stations.
The Electoral Commission later said the security situation had been brought under control and counting resumed.
Mundubile and his allies had raised concerns about the conduct of the election and alleged irregularities.
Hichilema’s supporters, however, maintained that the election reflected the will of the Zambian people.
Hichilema now begins his second term facing pressure to translate the country’s economic recovery into improved living standards.
Despite progress in debt restructuring and economic stability, many Zambians continue to face high living costs and electricity shortages.
The re-election marks another chapter in Zambia’s political transition, with Hichilema set to remain at the helm until 2031.
