Zambia Resumes Vote Count as Hichilema Takes Early Lead

Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema took an early lead in Zambia's presidential election on August 15, 2026. Initial results from four of 226 constituencies showed Hichilema with 22,476 votes, compared to 14,388 for his closest rival, Brian Mundubile.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) previously suspended the nationwide counting and announcement of presidential and parliamentary results following reports of violence against poll staff and the theft of marked ballot papers. The ECZ later lifted the suspension after determining that security threats had been contained. Police Inspector General Graphel Musamba reported the arrest of nine suspects linked to the murder of polling agent Livermore Chishima.

During the suspension, Brian Mundubile declared himself the winner based on his party's parallel voter tabulation and alleged military interference at totaling centres in Mufulira and ballot box interference in Chawama and Matero. Hichilema urged citizens to remain peaceful while awaiting official outcomes. ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis warned candidates that declaring victory before the official announcement is a legal offence. Official results are expected on Monday.