The Electoral Commission of Zambia on Tuesday declared President Hakainde Hichilema the winner of the 2026 presidential election, granting him a second five‑year mandate.
Final results showed Hichilema of the United Party for National Development secured 2,965,326 votes, or 61.5 percent, defeating Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, who polled 1,856,217 votes, or 38.5 percent.
The 13 August general election saw Zambians vote for president, parliament and local government representatives amid heightened political tensions.
The electoral commission temporarily suspended counting on 14 August after security incidents but later resumed the process.
Hichilema, who first took office in 2021, pledged to focus his second term on economic growth, job creation, investment and tackling the cost of living. He called for peace and unity following the announcement.
Mundubile urged supporters to remain calm, reject violence and pursue grievances through lawful means, stressing the need for national cohesion across Zambia’s regions.
JN/APA