Countries / Africa
ZMB
Elections in Zambia
presidential system
Elections in Zambia: the next vote, who holds power now, and the country's election history. The next one is the Zambian general election on 13 August 2026. Head of state is Hakainde Hichilema; the system of government is presidential system. Contenders include Hakainde Hichilema.
Next election
Zambian general election - 13 August 2026
Who's running
Hakainde HichilemaIncumbent
UPND
Incumbent president since 2021, seeking a second term; unopposed for his party's nomination.
Favoured for re-election against a divided opposition.
Brian MundubileMain challenger
Tonse Alliance
Former opposition leader in parliament; the Tonse Alliance's presidential candidate.
Main challenger; the opposition has struggled to unite since Lungu's death in 2025.
Polls & trendField and standings from public polling - a snapshot, not a forecast.
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HH
Hakainde Hichilema live
Head of state - United Party for National Development
In office since
24 August 2021
Party
United Party for National Development
Head of government
Edgar Lungu
Region
Africa
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Next election
Zambian general election
13 August 2026
Government
presidential system
Capital
Lusaka
Population
19 610 769
Country facts
Legislature
National Assembly
Established
1964
Currency
Zambian Kwacha
Official language
English
Capital
Lusaka
Region
Africa
Area
752,618 km2
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Election history
1 January 2026presidential
Zambian presidential election
12 August 2021presidential
Zambian presidential election
won: Hakainde Hichilema
12 August 2021parliamentary
Zambian parliamentary election
11 August 2016presidential
Zambian presidential election
won: Edgar Lungu ยท turnout 56.5%
11 August 2016parliamentary
Zambian parliamentary election
20 January 2015presidential
Zambian presidential election
won: Edgar Lungu
20 September 2011presidential
Zambian presidential election
won: Michael Sata
20 September 2011parliamentary
Zambian parliamentary election
30 October 2008presidential
Zambian presidential election
won: Rupiah Banda
Presidential winner & turnout from Wikidata; parliamentary winners omitted (Wikidata data unreliable).
Power transferspeacefulcontestedirregular
2021 - Edgar Lungu Hakainde Hichilema
peaceful - no coup recorded
2015 - Guy Scott Edgar Lungu
peaceful - no coup recorded
2014 - Michael Sata Guy Scott
peaceful - no coup recorded
2011 - Rupiah Banda Michael Sata
peaceful - no coup recorded
2008 - Levy Mwanawasa Rupiah Banda
peaceful - no coup recorded
2002 - Frederick Chiluba Levy Mwanawasa
peaceful - no coup recorded
Classification: Powell & Thyne Coup d'Etat Dataset, where available.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next election in Zambia?
The Zambian general election is scheduled for 13 August 2026.
Who is the current leader of Zambia?
The head of state is Hakainde Hichilema (United Party for National Development).
Who is running in the Zambia election?
The main contenders are Hakainde Hichilema, Brian Mundubile. Standings are based on public polling.
When was the last election in Zambia?
The most recent was the Zambian presidential election on 1 January 2026.
What type of government does Zambia have?
Zambia is a presidential system.
Profile from Wikidata - updated 2026-07-02.