President Hakainde Hichilema has been elected unopposed as leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), cementing his position as the ruling party’s presidential candidate for Zambia’s 2026 general elections.
His nomination was formally endorsed at the party’s secretariat in Lusaka, with provinces including Luapula, Lusaka, Copperbelt, Eastern, North-Western and Western backing his candidacy.
The development comes as the UPND prepares for its general conference scheduled for Wednesday where the party will formally conclude its internal processes and set the stage for the national campaign.
Hichilema, who first rose to the party presidency in 2006 following the death of founding leader Anderson Mazoka, expressed gratitude to members and alliance partners for their continued trust.
“I am truly humbled for this gesture,” he said on Monday.
He pledged to use the forthcoming general assembly to reaffirm his commitment to lead the party into the 2026 polls.
Zambians will go to the polls on 19 August to choose a president, members of parliament and local government councillors.
JN/APA