Zambia's Historic 2026 Election: Hichilema Triumphs, Rival Mundubile Flees to UN Agency

Hakainde Hichilema has been officially declared the winner of the 2026 Zambian general elections by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), securing his re-election for a second five-year term. Mr. Hichilema defeated his closest rival, Brian Mundubile, the leader of the NRPUP. The final presidential election results, announced after tallying votes from all 226 constituencies, showed Hichilema with 2,965,326 votes against Mundubile's 1,856,217, giving the incumbent a decisive winning margin of 1,109,109 votes. This translates to approximately 61.5% of the votes cast for Hichilema, compared to 38.5% for Mundubile.

In a message shared on his official Facebook page, President-elect Hichilema expressed deep gratitude to the Zambian people, stating, “We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands, to hold our nation’s highest office and to be your servant, once more.” He commended the peaceful conduct of the citizenry throughout the election process, highlighting it as a testament to Zambia’s strong democratic credentials on the international stage. Hichilema described Zambia as a nation dedicated to peace, law, and order, where political differences are resolved strictly through the ballot box.

Reflecting on his extensive nationwide campaign tour, which covered all 116 districts, including cities, townships, villages, and farms, Mr. Hichilema emphasized that these visits provided him with invaluable first-hand insight into the myriad challenges faced by Zambians. He reiterated his pledge to collaborate closely with all citizens to effectively address these issues. Furthermore, the President-elect extended reassurances to voters who supported his opponents, affirming an inclusive governance approach. He committed that his administration would continue working diligently for all citizens, ensuring that every Zambian benefits equitably from national development. “As we return to work as your servant, we carry with us the memories of the children we met throughout the campaign, and we commit to building a better Zambia for all of you to inherit,” he added.

The election, held on August 13, was widely regarded as a referendum on President Hichilema’s economic performance since taking office in 2021. His first term was marked by efforts to navigate a severe debt crisis, overseeing debt restructuring, and attracting vital investment into Zambia’s crucial copper industry. The vote count experienced a temporary suspension after the ECZ reported instances of violence against election officials and the theft of ballot papers, though counting subsequently resumed. While Mundubile had raised concerns regarding the conduct of the election, Hichilema consistently urged his supporters and the wider public to maintain peace and patiently await the official results.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Hichilema urged the nation to unite and collectively focus on economic progress, underscoring the national motto of ‘One Zambia, One Nation, One People’ as the country transitions from a hard-fought campaign to a period of accelerated development. His victory ensures another term at the helm of Africa’s second-largest copper producer.