Zambian Presidential Election: Hakainde Hichilema Wins Second Term With Over 60% of Vote



Lusaka, August 18, 2026 Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second five-year term after winning the country’s presidential election with 61.4% of the vote, according to official results from the Electoral Commission of Zambia. Hichilema received nearly 3 million votes, comfortably defeating his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, who secured about 38%.

The result gives Hichilema a renewed mandate to pursue his economic agenda after his first term was dominated by efforts to restructure Zambia’s debt, attract investment and stabilize the economy.



Hichilema Wins Second Term

Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), was declared the winner after the August 13 election. His victory is a continuation of the political success he achieved in 2021, when he defeated then-President Edgar Lungu.

The 2026 election was closely watched because voters were weighing the government's economic improvements against continuing concerns about the cost of living, unemployment and household finances.

Hichilema's victory margin was substantial, although his support was lower than some opinion polling had suggested before the election. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile performed better than expected, campaigning heavily on economic pressures affecting ordinary Zambians.



Economic Record Was Central to the Campaign

The economy was one of the biggest issues during the election campaign.

Since taking office in 2021, Hichilema's administration has overseen a major restructuring of Zambia's debt following the country's 2020 sovereign default. His government has also worked with international lenders and encouraged investment in the country's mining industry, particularly its important copper sector.

Supporters argue that these measures helped restore economic stability and improve investor confidence. The government has also highlighted policies such as free secondary education and expanded social programs.

However, economic improvements have not eliminated public frustration. Many Zambians continue to face high living costs, unemployment and concerns about whether the country's mineral wealth is reaching ordinary households.



Opposition Raises Concerns

The election process was not without controversy.

Vote counting was temporarily suspended after election officials were attacked and ballot papers were reportedly stolen. The Electoral Commission of Zambia later resumed the process after security concerns were addressed.

Mundubile and opposition figures also raised concerns about the conduct of the election and questioned aspects of the results. International observers and civil society organizations have separately expressed concerns about political freedoms and the broader campaign environment. Hichilema's government has rejected allegations that it deliberately suppressed opposition activity.

Despite these tensions, the election did not develop into the widespread unrest that some observers had feared.







Copper Remains Important to Zambia's Future

Hichilema's second term will be closely watched by investors because of Zambia's position as one of Africa's major copper producers.

The government wants to substantially increase copper production as global demand for the metal grows, particularly because of its importance to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and other technologies.

The administration has also been seeking additional investment and a new relationship with international lenders following the completion of its previous IMF program. Investors have welcomed the prospect of policy continuity but will be watching closely for stronger economic growth and improvements in living standards.



Challenges Ahead for Hichilema

Winning another term gives Hichilema political continuity, but his second term will come with significant challenges.

The president will face pressure to ensure that Zambia's economic recovery translates into better living standards, more employment and greater opportunities for young people. At the same time, the government will need to maintain fiscal discipline while investing in infrastructure, education and essential services.

Political concerns could also remain important. Critics have accused the administration of restricting dissent and concentrating political power, allegations that the government denies.



What Hichilema's Victory Means for Zambia

Hichilema's re-election provides Zambia with political continuity at a crucial economic moment. His first term focused heavily on restoring financial stability and rebuilding relationships with international lenders and investors.

The second term is likely to be judged more heavily on whether those reforms can produce broader economic benefits for the population.

With a strong electoral mandate and Zambia's copper sector attracting increasing international attention, Hichilema now has another five years to pursue his economic plans. The key question will be whether the country's improved macroeconomic position can translate into sustained growth and a meaningful improvement in everyday life.



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