The election took place on 13 August 2026 (alongside parliamentary and local polls). Under Zambian rules, a candidate needs more than 50% of valid votes for an outright win; otherwise a runoff occurs within 37 days. Early and mid-count results from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) show Hichilema consistently ahead of his main challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP).
Latest consolidated figures (as of overnight into 17 August 2026)
With 135 of 226 constituencies declared (roughly 60%):
- Hakainde Hichilema (UPND): 1,544,140 votes
- Brian Mundubile (NRPUP): 1,030,662 votes
- Lead: approximately 513,478 votes
On a two-candidate basis this equates to roughly 60% for Hichilema versus 40% for Mundubile. Across the reported constituencies, valid votes totalled about 2.62 million (with ~77,600 rejected), for a turnout of ~56.4% among the ~4.79 million registered voters in those areas. Other candidates trail far behind (Harry Kalaba of Citizens First and Kelvin Bwalya of Zambia Must Prosper each in the low tens of thousands; the rest lower still).
Earlier batches showed the same pattern of a widening lead:
- After 70 constituencies: Hichilema 626,434; Mundubile 505,795 (lead ~120,600).
- After 105 constituencies: Hichilema ~1.057 million; Mundubile ~831,000 (lead ~226,000).
Hichilema has performed strongly in many urban seats and traditional UPND strongholds (especially Southern and parts of Western/North-Western provinces), while Mundubile has held or won areas associated with the former Patriotic Front base (parts of Northern, Muchinga, Eastern, and some Copperbelt constituencies). National cumulative totals, rather than a simple constituency map, have driven the overall margin.
Context and process notes
- Counting faced a temporary suspension on Friday (15 August) after reports of attacks on officials and ballot-paper theft; the ECZ later stated the security situation had been contained and resumed announcements.
- Some observers noted reports of intimidation or violence, though Zambia has historically avoided the scale of electoral unrest seen in some neighbouring countries. Police denied claims that Mundubile had been detained.
- Final results were expected around 17 August, with remaining constituencies (91) still to be fully consolidated and announced. Partial results do not yet constitute the official national outcome.
Hichilema, seeking a second term after winning in 2021, has been credited by supporters with debt restructuring, higher copper output, and currency performance, while critics (including the opposition) have focused on cost-of-living pressures. Pre-election polling had generally favoured the incumbent. The remaining tallies will determine whether the current >50% trajectory is confirmed or whether a runoff becomes necessary. Official ECZ announcements remain the authoritative source as counting continues.
