Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema is set to be sworn in for a second five-year term today, Tuesday, 1 September 2026. This follows a disputed election and the arrest of his main opponent, Brian Mundubile, on treason charges.
Mr Hichilema secured 60% of the vote in the 13 August election, according to official results. Runner-up Mr Mundubile, who received 38%, alleged that the outcome was tampered with. He was unable to challenge the result legally as courts were reportedly sealed off last week on the final day for filing a case.
Election observers noted that polling day was largely peaceful, but some have raised questions regarding the vote tallying process. European Union observers cited issues such as staff not recording results on tally sheets immediately and weak verification between digital and paper records. They also noted returning officers frequently paused proceedings awaiting instructions.
The day after the poll, security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to Mr Mundubile, resulting in the death of a former cabinet minister and the arrest of several opposition politicians. Authorities accused the opposition of planning an armed insurrection, which they denied. Mr Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were detained by police last week and charged at the weekend after going into hiding.
President Hichilema, 64, came into office in 2021 when Zambia had recently defaulted on international debt and faced an annual inflation rate exceeding 24%. He has been credited with stabilising the economy, negotiating debt restructuring, and rebuilding relations with foreign creditors. Inflation has decreased, though the cost of living remains a challenge for many.
Several African leaders, including Botswana's President Duma Boko and Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan, are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. Mr Hichilema will be sworn in alongside his running mate, Mutale Nalumango.