Supporters of Zambian President elect Hakainde Hichilema celebrate his victory in the street after the announcement of the Electoral Commission of Zambia in Lusaka, on August 18, 2026. The 64-year-old businessman, credited with restructuring the country’s debt and making schooling free, this time won the August 13 election with around 60% of the vote.
Kim Heller
Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second term. On 18 August 2026, the Electoral Commission of Zambia officially declared him the victor.
Hichilema won 60.5 per cent of the vote, while his main opponent, Brian Mundubile, secured 38 per cent. This is an important victory for Hichilema's United Party for National Development and provides an opportunity to consolidate the political project that began in 2021, when Zambians removed the incumbent Patriotic Front from power.
Five years ago, citizens placed their hopes in Hichilema. They have now renewed his mandate.
