By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has been officially declared President of the United Party for National Development(UPND) following the party’s 2026 general assembly held on Wednesday at the Mulungushi Conference Centre.
The declaration confirms Hichilema as the party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming 13 August election.
He ran unopposed after the close of nominations on 12 April 2026.
Expressing gratitude, Hichilema said he was humbled to be the sole nominee, describing the endorsement as a profound responsibility and commitment to improving the lives of citizens.
“I accept this honour on behalf of the people of Zambia; every Zambian who believes in a better Zambia, this is for you,” he said.
Hichilema said the 2026 election represents an opportunity to consolidate the gains made during the UPND’s four and a half years in government, adding that the country is at a critical point in its development trajectory.
He thanked Zambians for entrusting the New Dawn administration with the mandate to govern, saying the foundation for economic recovery and growth had now been laid.
He said the next phase would focus on strengthening service delivery and expanding opportunities nationwide.
“We want to focus on creating jobs, particularly in the private sector,” he said.
Calling for a renewed mandate, Hichilema urged party members and supporters to secure a decisive victory in August.
Read More: Hichilema goes unopposed for UPND presidency ahead of general conference
“On 13th August, we want to win big. We must not forget our symbol, the hand. We don’t want anyone to take away what has been achieved,” Hichilema said.
He added that the government had reduced expenditure by K10 billion to cushion citizens from rising fuel costs.
“We are delivering because we care for the people of Zambia, and we promise to continue working hard,” he said.
Isaac Mwanza, the election returning officer and chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, officially declared Hichilema elected UPND president under the party’s provisions governing uncontested positions.
Mwanza said the National Management Committee was formally dissolved before nominations were opened and later concluded in accordance with party rules.
He confirmed that three petitions submitted to the commission were dismissed as frivolous and lacking merit.
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