Zambia's President Secures Second Term with 60% Vote Share
Zambia’s long‑standing tradition of peaceful power transfer is reinforced as President Hakainde Hichilema is re‑elected with 60% of the vote in the 2026 election. The opposition candidate secured 38% and has voiced allegations of fraud and irregularities, though no evidence has been presented.
The electoral commission had to briefly suspend counting after reports of violence toward polling staff and a theft of marked ballot papers in some areas. The pause was lifted the same day, allowing the official announcement of results. International observers described the overall voting environment as largely peaceful but stressed the positive need for transparent processes.
Opposition leader Brian Mundubile earlier claimed military involvement in tallying centers and alleged discrepancies between polling‑station results and the official counts. He also reported that armed forces had raided his house following the election. In response, UPND officials dismissed these claims as unfounded.
In his victory address Hichilema emphasized Zambia’s status as a democratic nation that resolves disputes at the ballot box, encouraging all citizens that he will continue to work for them regardless of the opposition’s views.
Hundreds of supporters in red UPND colors flooded Lusaka to celebrate the results, underscoring the enthusiasm and patriotic morale within the country.
