Zambia Decides: Hichilema wins second term

President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second five-year term after winning Zambia’s 2026 general election.

According to final results announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), polled 2,965,326 votes, defeating his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, who finished with 1,856,217 votes.

The final tally came after a closely watched election marked by delays in the counting process, heightened security measures and disputes in several areas.

The ECZ temporarily halted parts of the results process amid security concerns and localized disagreements before completing the national count.

The election also unfolded against a backdrop of increased political tension. Several opposition figures reportedly faced arrest or heightened scrutiny during the election period, while security agencies conducted operations targeting individuals allegedly linked to militia activities.

Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were also reported to have sought refuge or gone into self-imposed exile amid fears of possible arrest. Their reported situation has added to concerns surrounding the political environment following the election.

Regional and international observers raised concerns about unequal campaign conditions and reported cases of intimidation, although these concerns were described in the context of isolated incidents rather than a single nationwide pattern.

Hichilema’s re-election extends his presidency for another five years and gives the UPND an opportunity to consolidate its governing agenda.

For the opposition, the immediate challenge will be determining its political and legal response to the outcome, particularly amid continuing questions over the conduct of the campaign, security operations and the treatment of opposition figures.

The post-election period is therefore likely to remain closely scrutinised as Zambia moves into Hichilema’s second term.