Aug 17, 2026
Zambians cast ballots on August 13, 2026, in a national election where incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is favored to win a second term. The vote tests whether his economic reforms and recovery from a pandemic-era debt crisis have overcome widespread frustration over the cost of living among the country's 8.79 million registered voters.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term, defeating opposition challenger Brian Mundubile by more than one million votes. Despite campaigning on economic recovery and debt restructuring achievements, his victory margin was narrower than expected as voters expressed frustration over persistent poverty and cost-of-living pressures.