Presidential Nomination Filing for 2026 General Election

President Hakainde Hichilema files his presidential nomination papers before the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka, on 22 May 2026, the final day of the presidential nomination period. Accompanied by First Lady Mutinta, senior UPND officials, and alliance partners, the President arrived at 15:20 hours, with his nomination and that of running mate Vice President Mutale Nalumango declared valid by Returning Officer Mwangala Zaloumis. The occasion carried particular significance: it was at the same venue on 19 May 2021 that HH filed his nomination papers as opposition leader and first unveiled Mutale Nalumango as his running mate. Five years later, he returned as incumbent, seeking a second term ahead of the 13 August 2026 general election.