Will Zambia's electoral commission declare a winner of the Aug 13 presidential election before Aug 21?

Zambia's Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema the winner of the country's presidential election on August 18, 2026, well before the question's August 21 deadline. Hichilema, of the United Party for National Development, won a second five-year term with roughly 60-61 percent of the vote, defeating Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, who took about 38-39 percent. The August 13 general election also selected parliament and local government representatives amid heightened political tension, and counting was briefly suspended on August 14 after security incidents before resuming. Opposition figures raised rigging allegations and there was a disputed raid on Mundubile's home, but the commission proceeded to certify the result within the expected window. Hichilema, first elected in 2021, said his second term would focus on economic growth, job creation and the cost of living. The community's forecast, with both voters predicting the commission would declare a winner before August 21, matched the actual outcome.