Politics
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
Picture: Kalemba
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.”
Lakatips
The morning briefing
Zambia’s news, before your first meeting
One email each morning with the headlines that matter, from every newsroom we follow. Free, and one click to stop.
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.
Source: Kalemba — Read more
More to read
All Politics →‘No one should be unlawfully detained,’ Amnesty calls for lawyer access to Jay Jay Banda
Amnesty International Africa has urged Zambian authorities to facilitate a medical examination and access to a lawyer for former Petauke Member of Parliament Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda following his arrest and transfer to Zambia. Zambian authorities have confirmed that Banda, a former MP and government…
Bemba Royal establishment raises the alarm over alleged attempt to desecrate Kafwaya’s grave
The Bemba Royal Establishment has alleged that heavily armed people travelling in six vehicles were reportedly using threats and coercion to force villagers in Lisunga territory to show them the grave of the late Cabinet minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya. The Establishment said Bemba customary governance required…
U.s. Tightens Visa Rules for Zambians
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says some Zambians are restricted from entering the United States under new travel measures that took effect on January 1, 2026. The restrictions affect people applying for immigrant visas and certain non-immigrant visas, including those for business…