Zambia Holds General Election to Decide Hichilema's Second Term

Zambians voted on August 13, 2026, in a general election to select a president, members of parliament, and local government officials. Hakainde Hichilema, the incumbent president and leader of the United Party for National Development, sought a second five-year term by highlighting his success in restructuring over $12 billion in sovereign debt and restoring macroeconomic stability. He framed the contest as a choice between progress and regression, emphasizing his efforts to triple copper output and provide free education.

His primary challenger, Brian Mundubile of the Tonse Alliance (contesting under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity banner), campaigned on the high cost of living, unemployment, and electricity shortages caused by severe drought. Mundubile also gained political momentum by pledging a dignified burial for former President Edgar Lungu, following a bitter legal dispute between the government and Lungu's family that was eventually settled by South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal.

The election was marked by allegations of authoritarianism. Mundubile and civil society groups accused the government of using abductions, arrests, and raids on opposition offices to stifle dissent. Hichilema denied these claims, suggesting some violence was staged. International observers from the European Union and the Southern African Development Community monitored the polls, which saw strong early turnout in urban centers like Lusaka and the Copperbelt.

Results are expected by August 17. A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright; otherwise, a runoff will be held within 37 days.