Zambia general elections are set on 13 August 2026 to elect the President, members of the National Assembly, council chairs, and councillors. As the nation prepares for this pivotal moment, Afrikeye continues to track the evolving political landscape, providing essential analysis for those following the democratic process across the continent. The electoral environment is defined by significant constitutional changes, a reconfigured opposition, and rigorous international oversight.
Electoral System Changes
Following 2025 constitutional amendments, the electoral system for the National Assembly has shifted from a first-past-the-post system to a mixed-member majoritarian system.
- National Assembly Composition: 226 members are elected via single-member constituencies, 40 via proportional representation (based on the presidential vote), and up to 11 appointed by the President.
- Proportional Representation (PR) Quotas: Within the 40 PR seats, specific allocations are reserved: 20 for women, 15 for youth, and 5 for persons with disabilities.
- Presidential System: The president remains elected via a two-round system.
Key Presidential Candidates and Political Alliances in Zambia General Elections
The political field has seen significant movement since 2024, impacting both local discourse and the regional travel and tourism sector:
- Hakainde Hichilema (UPND): The incumbent president is running for re-election, backed by the UPND Alliance.
- Brian Mundubile (Tonse Alliance): Following the passing of former president Edgar Lungu, Mundubile was elected the alliance’s presidential candidate in January 2026.
- Fred M’membe (People’s Pact): The leader of the Socialist Party is running under the People’s Pact banner.
- Harry Kalaba (CF Orange Alliance): The Citizens First party leader is running as the candidate for the newly formed CF Orange Alliance.
- Given Katuta Mwelwa: The former Chiengi MP is running as an independent candidate.
Election Observation and Democratic Context
The European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Zambia to assess the electoral cycle. The mission includes a core team, 32 long-term observers, and 32 short-term observers who will monitor all stages, from the campaign environment to the tabulation of results. Official electoral data and voter resources are managed by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), while legislative procedures and records are maintained by the National Assembly of Zambia. Regional standards for these democratic processes are guided by the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
Despite the country’s history of competitive elections, experts note ongoing challenges, including strategic electoral violence, the politicized use of the judiciary, and persistent under-representation of marginalized groups.
