2026 Zambian general election

Incumbent president Hakainde Hichilema received endorsements from some members of the UPND Alliance, including Highvie Hamududu, leader of the Party of National Unity and Progress (in November 2024),^[5] Nevers Mumba, leader of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (in October 2024),^[6][7] Leslie Chikuse, leader of the Republican Progressive Party,^[8] Ezra Ngulube, leader of the National Restoration Party,^[8] Charles Milupi, the alliance chairperson,^[9][10] and Felix Mutati, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change.^[11]

The former ruling party, the Patriotic Front, and a number of fellow opposition parties formed the Tonse Alliance in November 2024 with the goal to unseat the UPND in the 2026 election.^[12] Former president Edgar Lungu was announced as the chairman and presidential candidate, but was declared ineligible to stand on 10 December 2024^[13] and passed away in 2025.^[14] On 28 January 2026, Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile, was elected as the alliance's presidential candidate with the Forum for Democracy and Development chosen as the party to be used by the alliance at the election.^[15][16]

One faction of the Patriotic Front later withdrew from the Tonse Alliance^[17][18] and subsequently elected former MP and lawyer to late president Lungu, Makebi Zulu as leader and presidential candidate.^[19]

Fred M'membe of the Socialist Party is running as a candidate for the People's Pact, a movement consisting of civil society and political parties.^[20]

Given Katuta Mwelwa, who had been the member of parliament for Chiengi constituency for 10 years from 2016,^[21] announced in 2025 that she would be an independent presidential candidate at the 2026 election.^[22][23][24]

An opinion poll conducted by consultants led by a University of Zambia demographer showed Hichilema leading with 60% of the vote with the combined opposition getting 35%. In head-to-head matchups with different opposition candidates, Hichilema's support was between 58% and 63%.^[25][26]