2026 General elections
| Zambia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | general |
| Year | 2026 |
| Date | 13 August 2026 |
| Seats up for election | 156 (National Assembly) |
| Electoral system | Two-round system (Presidential) and First-past-the-post voting (National Assembly) |
| Previous election | 2021 Zambian general election |
| Incumbent party | United Party for National Development (UPND) |
| Incumbent leader | Hakainde Hichilema |
| In office since | 2021 |
| Challenger party | Patriotic Front (PF) |
| Challenger leader | To be determined (TBD) |
| Last challenger | Edgar Lungu |
The 2026 General elections are due to be held in Zambia on 13 August 2026 to elect the President and members of the National Assembly of Zambia, as well as local government councillors and council chairs. The election marks a pivotal moment for the country as the United Party for National Development (UPND) seeks a second term in office.
Electoral System
The elections for the National Assembly and the Presidency are conducted under two different systems:
- President: The President is elected using the Two-round system. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the valid votes cast to be elected in the first round. If no candidate reaches this threshold, a second round runoff will be held between the top two candidates.
- National Assembly: Of the 167 members in the National Assembly, 156 are elected via the first-past-the-post system in single-member constituencies. A further eight are appointed by the President, and three others are ex officio members (the Vice President, the Speaker, and a deputy speaker elected from outside the National Assembly).
The minimum voting age for Zambian citizens is 18 years, and National Assembly candidates must be at least 21 years old. The entire election process is overseen by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Presidential Candidates and Campaigns
The main contest is expected to be between the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and the largest opposition party, the Patriotic Front (PF).
United Party for National Development (UPND)
The incumbent president, Hakainde Hichilema, is widely expected to contest the election for a second term.
- Candidate: Hakainde Hichilema
- Endorsements: The incumbent has received early endorsements from key members of the ruling alliance, including the leaders of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) and the Party of National Unity and Progress (PNUP).
Patriotic Front (PF)
The main opposition party is currently undergoing an internal leadership transition following the death of former President Edgar Lungu. The party's focus is on uniting under a new, democratically elected leader who will serve as the party's standard-bearer in the 2026 elections.
- Candidate: To be determined at the 2025 Presidential Convention. The convention features a number of high-profile candidates vying for the position, including Given Lubinda, Chishimba Kambwili, and Brian Mundubile.
Other Parties and Aspirants
Other political parties and independent candidates are also expected to field candidates, including:
- Socialist Party (SP)
- Democratic Party (DP)
Key Issues
The election is anticipated to focus on several key national issues, including:
- The national debt crisis and economic recovery.
- The high cost of living, including food and fuel prices.
- Governance, judicial independence, and anti-corruption measures.
