By Suleman Chitera

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has been declared the winner of the 2026 Presidential Election after securing 2,965,326 votes from all 226 constituencies, according to the consolidated results.

Hichilema, who contested on the ticket of the United Party for National Development (UPND), defeated his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), who obtained 1,856,217 votes.

The result gives Hichilema another five-year mandate and marks his second victory in a Zambian presidential election, following his landmark win in 2021.

In a message posted on his Facebook page after being declared the winner, Hichilema expressed gratitude to Zambians for renewing their confidence in his leadership.

The President said he was humbled by the opportunity to serve the country again, describing the election as a reflection of Zambia’s identity as a nation committed to peace, democracy and the rule of law.

He said political differences should be resolved through democratic processes and, ultimately, at the ballot box rather than through conflict.

“We have once again demonstrated that Zambia is a nation of peace, law and order, and democracy,” Hichilema said.

Hichilema also reflected on his campaign, saying it took him across all 116 districts of Zambia, giving him an opportunity to interact with citizens in cities, compounds, villages and farming communities.

According to the President, those interactions gave him a first-hand understanding of the challenges confronting ordinary Zambians.

He said his administration would now focus on working with citizens to tackle those challenges and accelerate development across the country.

In a conciliatory message following the election, Hichilema also extended his hand to Zambians who supported other presidential candidates.

He said his government had listened to the concerns raised by citizens during the campaign and would continue working towards ensuring that the benefits of national development reach every Zambian, regardless of their political affiliation.

The President said the children he encountered during his campaign remained particularly memorable to him and would strengthen his determination to build a better future for the next generation.

Hichilema’s re-election therefore comes with renewed expectations from Zambians, who will now look to his administration to translate its electoral mandate into tangible improvements in livelihoods, economic opportunities, infrastructure and public services.

As Zambia begins a new political chapter, Hichilema has called for unity and continued commitment to peace and democratic values, signalling his intention to govern beyond the political divisions of the campaign.

Congratulations to President Hakainde Hichilema and the people of Zambia.