By Chola John

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been formally declared President-elect after securing a decisive victory in the country’s August 13 presidential election.

Returning Officer Francis Mwangala Zaloumis, a State Counsel, announced Hichilema’s victory on Tuesday in accordance with the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 and the Electoral Process (General) Regulations, 2016.

Hichilema, who contested on the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) ticket, secured 2,965,326 valid votes, defeating his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the New Revolution Party (NRP), who polled 1,856,217 votes.

Zaloumis formally declared Hichilema President-elect of the Republic of Zambia following the conclusion of the electoral process.

Other presidential candidates recorded the following totals:
Harry Kalaba (CF) — 19,070
Kelvin S. Wadia (ZRP) — 17,078
Fred Mmembe (SP) — 12,194
Given Katuta (Independent) — 7,574
Given M. Chansa (MEE) — 6,650
Brian Mushimba (OPP) — 6,269
Richard Silumbe (LM) — 3,304
Howard Kunda (ZAWAPA) — 2,561
Akim A. Njovu (DU) — 2,496
Richard Siyamunene (NFP) — 1,963
Daniel C. Pule (CDP) — 1,348

In his victory message after being announced winner, Hichilema has thanked Zambians for renewing their confidence in his leadership and pledged to return to work with greater determination.

“We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands, to hold our nation’s highest office and to be your servant, once more,” Hichilema said.

He described the election as a demonstration of Zambia’s democratic traditions, saying the country had shown itself to be “a nation of peace, a nation of law and order” that resolves political differences through the ballot box.

Hichilema also extended an appeal to citizens who voted for opposition candidates, saying his administration would continue working for all Zambians regardless of their political preferences.

The President-elect said his campaign had taken him across all 116 districts, where he encountered communities facing a range of social and economic challenges.

“We must work harder than ever before to deliver meaningful development for every single Zambian, in every corner of our country,” he said.

Hichilema pledged to devote his renewed mandate to development, progress, unity and cooperation, while stressing the need to build greater peace and prosperity.

“After a hard-fought campaign, the people have spoken,” he said, reaffirming the national motto: “One Zambia, One Nation, One People.”

The declaration follows the dissolution of Parliament on May 15, 2026 and the presidential election held on August 13.

With the official declaration now made, Zambia enters a new phase of Hichilema’s presidency, with the government facing renewed expectations to accelerate economic development, improve livelihoods and deliver on its electoral commitments.