President Hichilema to file nomination papers today

President Hakainde Hichilema will this afternoon be at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka file his presidential nomination papers, ahead of the August 13 vote.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) designated the presidential nomination period from Monday, May 18, 2026 to today.

President Hichilema, the UPND leader, had his 1, 000 supporters (100 from each of the 10 provinces) pre-screened at Lusaka Civic Centre last Friday, May 15.

On May 19, 2021, as an opposition leader, Mr Hichilema filed his presidential nomination papers at today’s venue and unveiled current Vice-President Mutale Nalumango as his running mate.

Five years later, he returns, with nostalgia, to the same auditorium as he seeks a second five-year term of office.

President Hichilema will be escorted to the nomination centre by senior UPND officials and other dignitaries.

So far, the commission has declared 10 presidential candidates as validly nominated, and they include:

1. Mr Given Mwenya Chansa and running mate Mr Harrison Chewe – Movement for Economic Emancipation (MEE)

2. Dr Richard Silumbe and running mate Mr Kaela Kamwenesha – Leadership Movement (LM)

3. Mr Harry Kalaba and running mate Mr Moses Mawere – Citizens First (CF)

4. Dr Fred M’membe and running mate Ms Dolika Banda – Socialist Party

5. Mr Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF) and running mate Mr Milner Katolo – Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP)

6. Mr Brian Mundubile and running mate Mr Makebi Zulu – National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP)

7. Mr Howard Kunda and running mate Ms Chipo Miyoba – Zambia Wake Up Party (ZAWAPA)

8. Dr Brian Mushimba and running mate Mr Andyford Mayele Banda – Organised People’s Party (OPP)

9. Ms Given Katuta and running mate Mr John Nyirenda – Independent

10. Mr Xavier Chungu and running mate Mr Gerald Dingiswayo Mwanza – Liberal Democrats Party (LDP)

The August 12, 2021 presidential ballot paper had 16 candidates – 15 males and one female.

It also had 11 male running mates and five females.