Hichilema wins a second term with about 60% of the vote

Archive note: Lusaka Brief launched in September 2026. This entry was added retrospectively so the record of a significant national moment is preserved. It is based on reporting and official statements that were publicly available at the time.

Hakainde Hichilema has been declared re-elected President of Zambia, securing about 60.5% of the vote in the first round against 37.9% for his main challenger, Brian Mundubile of the Tonse Alliance, according to the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

In parliament, the UPND won a dominant majority — around 160 of 278 seats — with the NRPUP second on 76 and the remainder shared among independents, smaller parties and nominated members. The victory was helped by the new constitutional architecture, which added constituencies and reserved seats for women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Observers described a competitive contest held on what the European Union called an uneven playing field, while crediting the transparency of the count. Young voters interviewed across Lusaka told international media they hoped the second term would deliver jobs and cheaper living.

"The people have spoken decisively. Now the second term must speak to the dinner table."

The result gives Hichilema the parliamentary dominance to implement his programme — and removes any excuse for not delivering it. Inflation fell from around 23% to about 6.5% during his first term; the second will be judged on whether that macro success finally reaches households.