Zambia’s Electoral Commission has declared President Hakainde Hichilema the winner of the country’s presidential election after he secured 60 percent of the vote, according to results announced in the early hours of August 18, 2026.
The 64-year-old Hichilema has therefore been re-elected to serve another five-year term as President of Zambia.
Hichilema faced his strongest challenge from Brian Mundubile, who secured 38 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission.
However, opposition parties and civil society groups have accused Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND) of restricting political space in the country.
Before the official results were announced, Mundubile had claimed that he had won the election, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
The election comes against the backdrop of Zambia’s longstanding tradition of peaceful transfers of power through elections. Since the return of multiparty politics in 1991, the country has experienced several changes of government through the ballot box.
Hichilema’s victory now gives him another five-year mandate to lead Zambia, while the opposition faces the task of challenging the government on its policies and ensuring accountability during the new term.
KIGALI TIMES