Hakainde Hichilema

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was reelected for a second five-year term, securing 61.4% of the vote in Zambia without needing a run-off. The election victory follows allegations of stolen ballots and arrests of opposition figures. International observers noted that while the election was largely peaceful, the process took place in an environment limiting fundamental freedoms.

Zambia suspended its presidential vote counting due to reports of attacks on polling officials and the theft of ballot papers. The Electoral Commission of Zambia cited the ongoing security situation and threats of violence as reasons for the immediate suspension, which is set to be reviewed in 24 hours. The election saw President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term against challengers including Brian Mundubile.

Zambians began casting ballots in a presidential election that will test President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic reforms against widespread cost of living frustration. Beyond choosing leaders, voters selected members of Parliament and local government councilors. The election is closely watched because Zambia is a major copper producer seeking to increase metal output, drawing interest from China and the United States.

Zambians began casting votes in a presidential election that will test President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic reforms versus widespread cost of living frustration. Voters will also choose members of Parliament and local government councilors, while the election is watched globally due to Zambia's status as a major copper producer. Opposition parties have accused the ruling government of using state institutions to target political rivals.

Zambians have begun voting in a presidential election to determine the outcome for Zambia. This election will test whether President Hakainde Hichilema's implemented economic reforms are sufficient to address widespread frustration over the rising cost of living.

Zambians began casting votes in a presidential election where President Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second term. The election is widely viewed as a referendum on his economic handling despite successful restructuring of foreign debt and reported growth. However, widespread public frustration persists regarding the cost of living, unemployment, and unstable utilities.

Zambians began casting votes in a presidential election that tests President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic reforms amid widespread frustration over the cost of living. The election, which also includes choices for Parliament members and local government councilors, is viewed as a referendum on his economy. Internationally, Zambia's role as a major copper producer—a metal critical to electric vehicles—is closely watched by China and the United States.

Zambia is holding an election to determine if President Hakainde Hichilema will secure a second five-year term. The nation plans to triple its copper output by 2031, which could place it among top global producers of the critical mineral. However, ordinary Zambians are concerned about high food and energy costs, and opposition groups allege that the government has suppressed dissent, including seizing equipment from the Tonse Alliance.

Zambians will vote on August 13 in an election focused on economic recovery, with President Hakainde Hichilema as the frontrunner against opposition candidate Brian Mundubile. Key issues include rising food costs, emergency power imports, and parliamentary reforms that could affect Zambia’s debt default recovery. Hichilema’s party emphasizes macroeconomic stability, while Mundubile’s coalition highlights grassroots economic hardship.

Guy Scott, Zambia’s acting president who became Africa’s first white head of state in more than two decades, died at 82. He served as acting president for three months in 2014 following the death of Michael Sata and was Zambia’s first white vice president and acting president since independence in 1964.

South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, rejecting the Zambian government's claim to custody of his remains. The court decision overturned a previous order requiring the family to repatriate Lungu's body to Zambia, allowing him to be buried in South Africa as per his family's wishes.

Zambia's government canceled the RightsCon 2026 conference, which was to be hosted in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time, citing administrative and security concerns. Access Now, the host organization, suggested the cancellation was due to foreign interference, particularly from China, and demands to moderate human rights topics. The decision reflects a broader decline toward authoritarianism in Zambia, despite U.S. support for its democratic reforms under President Hakainde Hichilema.