The opposition Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) has announced it will not field a presidential candidate in Zambia’s 2026 general elections, throwing its support behind incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema.
MMD president Nevers Mumba made the announcement during the party’s Lusaka Province Convention on Saturday, stating that the decision is in line with a 2024 memorandum of understanding signed between the MMD and Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND).
The agreement commits both parties to shared goals of national unity and economic development.
Mumba said the MMD is part of the UPND alliance and its focus during next year’s elections would be on supporting Hichilema’s leadership.
He, however, revealed that the MMD would participate in parliamentary and local government races but will not contest the presidency.
Mumba defended the party’s alignment with the UPND, rejecting calls to oppose government policy.
He maintained that Hichilema’s administration is working to rebuild the economy, which he said was left in crisis after a decade of Patriotic Front (PF) rule.
Once Zambia’s ruling party, the MMD has struggled to regain national prominence in recent elections.
Its decision to back Hichilema could further consolidate support for the incumbent ahead of the 2026 polls.
Zambia is expected to hold its next general elections in mid-2026, with Hichilema seeking a second term after defeating the PF’s Edgar Lungu in a landslide victory in 2021.
Mumba, who served as Zambia’s vice president between 2003 and 2004, also announced that the MMD will soon hold a national convention to renew its leadership mandate and strategic direction.
JN/APA