2021 General election

2026 Zambian General Election

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The 2021 Zambian General Election was a pivotal event in the nation's democratic journey, reflecting the aspirations and challenges of Zambia as a young democracy. Conducted on August 12, 2021, the elections were held to choose the President, members of the National Assembly, and local government representatives. These elections attracted significant interest both locally and internationally due to their implications for Zambia's political stability, governance, and development.

The election was marked by intense competition primarily between the incumbent President Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front (PF) and opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema from the United Party for National Development (UPND). Voter turnout was high, underscoring the Zambian people’s commitment to democratic participation despite economic and social challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 election was conducted amidst calls for transparency, respect for electoral laws, and peaceful conduct by all candidates and their supporters.

Ultimately, the 2021 General Election resulted in a peaceful transfer of power, with Hakainde Hichilema winning the presidency, signaling a significant moment of democratic progress in Zambia. This election solidified Zambia's reputation as a resilient democracy in Africa and shaped the country's political landscape for the years to come.

Campaign

On 15 May 2021 Electoral Commission of Zambia chair Esau Chulu launched the start of the election campaign. However politicians were advised to minimise large crowd gatherings during campaign meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Assembly was dissolved on 12 May by President Edgar Lungu to provide a level playing field in the campaign.However, Lungu remains in office as per constitutional requirements until the new president is elected.

Violence and virus cases rise

On 26 May Lungu launched his own campaign. He also directed the police service and Ministry of Health to ensure enforcement of the COVID-19 pandemic health regulations and guidelines without fear or favour. On 3 June, due to the rise in COVID 19 cases, the Electoral Commission suspended campaign rallies again to avoid large crowds. On 15 June the Electoral Commission banned the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development from campaigning in Lusaka, Mpulungu, Namwala and Nakonde due to political violence. The Commission also banned all roadshows across the country to curb the transmission of COVID-19. On 1 August Lungu ordered the deployment of the military to help the police fight escalating political violence during the campaign.

Hakainde Hichilema blocked

On 28 July UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda released a statement that the party was disappointed with government institutions being used by President Lungu to block UPND presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema from campaigning. On 30 July Hichilema and his campaign team were prevented from entering Chipata and detained on the runway of Chipata Airport. Before Hichilema's arrival in Chipata, police had teargassed his supporters. On 3 August police in Mbala blocked Hichilema and his campaign team from entering the town, with police claiming that he needed a permit to enter.

Conduct

On 12 August during the election day several Twitter users went to the platfom to report that Social media and messaging apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp appeared to be shutdown in the country.But internet users are using VPN services to bypass the restrictions on WhatsApp and these other social media platforms. However Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Amos Malupenga, denied the reports, calling them “malicious.” He further went on "that the government would not tolerate abuse of the internet and if any mischief occurred, therefore the goverment, expects citizens to use the internet responsibly. But if some people choose to abuse the internet to mislead and misinform, the government will not hesitate to invoke relevant legal provisions to forestall any breakdown of law and order as the country passes through the election period,” Malupenga said. Despite his comment, social media sites are shut down and citizens have resorted to using VPNs.

Preliminary results

President

Candidate		Party	Votes	%
	Hakainde Hichilema	United Party for National Development	2,810,757	59.38
	Edgar Lungu	Patriotic Front	1,814,201	38.33
	Harry Kalaba	Democratic Party	24,879	0.53
	Andyford Banda	People’s Alliance For Change	19,804	0.42
	Fred M'membe	Socialist Party	16,379	0.35
	Highvie Hamududu	Party of National Unity and Progress	10,388	0.22
	Chishala Kateka	New Heritage Party	8,063	0.17
	Charles Chanda	United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia	6,520	0.14
	Lazarus Chisela	Zambians United For Sustainable Development	5,229	0.11
	Nevers Mumba	Movement for Multi-Party Democracy	4,809	0.10
	Enock Tonga	3rd Liberation Movement	3,088	0.07
	Trevor Mwamba	United National Independence Party	2,992	0.06
	Sean Tembo	Patriots For Economic Progress	1,798	0.04
	Stephen Nyirenda	National Restoration Party	1,766	0.04
	Kasonde Mwenda	Economic Freedom Fighters	1,331	0.03
	Richard Silumbe	Leadership Movement	1,283	0.03
Total			4,733,287	100.00
Valid votes			4,733,287	97.43
Invalid/blank votes			124,906	2.57
Total votes			4,858,193	100.00
Registered voters/turnout			7,023,499	69.17
Source: ECZ (155 out of 156 constituencies reporting)

Reactions

Domestic

• On 14 August Lungu the incumbent president declared the elections "not free and fair" pointing to the violence that happed in three provinces during election day when two members were murdered and supporters are in hiding he also added that the governing party polling agents were brutalized and chased from polling stations a situation that left the ruling party votes unprotected.

International

• European Union: On 14 August the EU Chief observer published a Press Release only commenting on observation undertaken up until the 14th of August. Maria Arena the Chief observer Said the election was largely calm and well-administered despite long queues, which shows the devotion of Zambians to exercise their right to vote, however concerning the campaign, the Chief Observer noted that the campaigns took place in a highly competitive environment adding that selective application of laws and regulations, misuse of state resources and one-sided media reporting meant that a level playing field was not achieved.