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President Hakainde Hichilema has assured the diplomatic corps that Zambia will conduct credible, peaceful, and transparent elections in 2026.
Speaking during the annual meet-and-greet with diplomats serving in Zambia, held on Thursday at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Hichilema said recent by-elections, including the Chawama Constituency, demonstrated Zambia’s democratic maturity, with both ruling and opposition parties registering victories.
He noted that Chawama—once known for political violence—held its recent by-election without bloodshed, illustrating the country’s commitment to peace and stability.
“I want to assure you that in 2026, there will be credible, peaceful, and transparent elections,” the President said, reaffirming Zambia’s dedication to democratic principles.
Hichilema also highlighted ongoing constitutional reforms, including affirmative action measures aimed at increasing representation for women and persons with disabilities. He noted that the reforms guarantee 20 seats for women in parliament after the 2026 elections, in addition to 5 seats for persons living with disabilities.
“With or without winning elections, there will be 26 women in that parliament — first time in the history of our country. This is showcasing Zambia’s progress in gender representation and affirmative action,” he said.
The President urged the diplomatic community to support Zambia’s electoral process, stressing the need for proper implementation of all components of the elections.
He also cautioned Western countries against dragging Zambia into geopolitical rivalries, saying the country’s focus is on economic development, peace, and improving the welfare of its citizens.
“We are too small, we are too busy trying to take care of school children to sit on desks — they are sitting on the floor,” Hichilema said.
Reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to global partnerships, he noted that the country welcomed investment and cooperation from all regions.
“Our market is open, open your markets also,” he said, adding that Zambia’s engagement with China should not be construed as anti-West.
Hichilema said: “We are not against Washington, London, Brussels, Berlin, or Rome. We want to do business with Stockholm, with any of your countries. Our focus is on economic growth and job creation.”
Meanwhile, the diplomatic corps commended Zambia’s strong democratic record, noting that the country has held 10 peaceful and credible elections, each marked by a smooth transition of power.
Hawa Hassan Mohamed, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Zambia and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, underscored the importance of maintaining this tradition of dialogue and peace.
“The capacity to resolve electoral differences through dialogue and compromise is no accident,” Mohamed said, praising Zambia’s sustained effort and mature democratic institutions.
She assured that countries accredited to Zambia would continue to deepen cooperation, mobilize partnerships, and work with the government in a spirit of shared responsibility.
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