Zambia: the re-elected president calls for unity and calm

Kinshasa, August 18^th, 2026 (CPA).- The Zambian president has called on Tuesday for unity following the announcement of his re-election as head of State and has promised to continue the efforts towards economic and social development despite the tensions that characterised the electoral process, the international media have reported. “The electoral process has been marred by violence. I call on you to remain united and calm. I will do everything in my power to ensure that economic and social development becomes a reality,” has declared Hakainde Hichilema, the Zambian president. “This second term is expected, in particular, to focus on consolidating the economic recovery, the creation of jobs and the improvement of purchasing power,” he has added. Indeed, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced the re-election of the incumbent president, Hakainde Hichilema, with over 60 per cent of the vote, for a second term as head of the country. “The favourite, Hakainde Hichilema, has won 60 per cent of the vote. He has faced around ten opponents, including Brian Mundubile, who comes second with 38 per cent of the vote,” has declared Mwangala Zaloumis, president of the country’s electoral commission. “Five of the 226 constituencies have yet to be counted, but the missing results are not expected to significantly affect the overall outcome of this election,” she has added. This victory allows Hichilema, aged 64 years, to retain the presidency without the need for a second round, as Zambian law stipulates that a candidate wins the election as soon as he surpasses 50% of the vote. First elected in 2021 after several unsuccessful attempts, Hakainde Hichilema had made economic recovery, debt restructuring and improved relations with international financial partners the priorities of his first term. His government has also focused on investment, particularly in the strategic copper sector, in which Zambia is one of Africa’s leading producers.ACP/