Hichilema goes unopposed, retains UPND presidency

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has been nominated unopposed as the UPND presidential candidate for the August 13 general election.

Following the filing of nomination papers at the party secretariat in Lusaka yesterday, President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing it as a humbling responsibility.

He pledged continued commitment to national development, stating that his administration remains dedicated to serving Zambians.

“We are deeply humbled and grateful to be nominated by our party, the United Party for National Development, as its presidential candidate for the August 2026 elections,” he said.

“We sincerely thank the confidence and trust placed in us. With full commitment, we pledge to continue to love, care for and deliver for the people of Zambia.”

The President also acknowledged support from UPND alliance partners and members of the public.

He also urged members of the party not to forget the real symbol of the party which is the hand.

He said salt sana may be a political slogan which comes with a sigh but what comes on the ballot is the hand.

The nomination comes ahead of the ruling party’s general assembly scheduled for this Wednesday where internal elections for national party leadership positions will also take place.

As he was filing his nomination, President Hakainde Hichilema was accomplished by First Lady Mutinta Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango.

The nomination forms part of the UPND’s wider internal democratic process which has seen elections conducted across ward, constituency, district and provincial levels over the past week.