UPND Clear HH to Lead the Charge
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — (12-4-2026) --- President Hakainde Hichilema has been cleared to lead the United Party for National Development (UPND) into the 2026 elections after the Independent Electoral Commission confirmed his eligibility, and the party closed its nomination window without any rival candidates emerging.
Mufalali said all structures were in place following the conclusion of internal elections across all ten provinces, in line with the UPND constitution.
“All required processes have been completed from the grassroots level to provincial leadership,” he said, adding that the exercise was conducted in a “transparent and orderly manner.”
He confirmed that President Hichilema was formally nominated by Luapula Province and seconded by all remaining provinces — including Copperbelt, Central, Lusaka, Eastern, Western, Southern, Muchinga and North-Western.
Mufalali said no other candidate submitted nomination papers by the close of the window, effectively leaving the President unopposed.
He further noted that the party had already concluded elections at all levels, including the election of all ten provincial chairpersons who participated in the nomination process.
He said the UPND had now reached the final stage of its internal democratic cycle, which begins at grassroots level and is guided strictly by the party constitution.
Mufalali explained that presidential aspirants are required to meet constitutional conditions, including being a registered party member for at least three years, being at least 35 years old, and qualifying under national law for presidential eligibility.
Applicants are also required to be nominated by at least one province and seconded by five others, in addition to submitting valid identification and supporting documents.
The nomination window opened on Sunday from 14:30 to 16:30 hours, after which the Elections Committee began verification of all submissions for compliance.
The United Party for National Development said the entire process was conducted in line with its constitution and internal electoral guidelines ahead of the General Assembly.
Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson Isaac Mwanza confirmed that President Hichilema met all constitutional and party requirements following verification.
Mwanza said the commission reviewed the nomination application submitted by the UPND leader and found it fully compliant.
He confirmed that Hichilema meets the minimum age requirement of 35 years, has been a continuous party member since 1998, and remains in good standing.
“The nomination has been certified as valid after full verification,” Mwanza said.
He added that the President is a fully paid-up member and satisfies all conditions required to stand as Republican President under both party and national guidelines.
The nomination event was attended by several alliance partners, reflecting unity within the ruling coalition ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Those present included Dr. Nevers Mumba, Felix Mutati, Ezra Ngulube, Judith Kabemba, Hivi Hamududu, Henry Muyoba, and Charles Milupi.
Alliance leaders praised the process as transparent and reaffirmed their support for President Hichilema, citing progress in governance, anti-corruption efforts, free education and social development programmes.
Speaking after the nomination, President Hichilema expressed gratitude to party members, describing the endorsement as humbling.
He said the process marked the conclusion of a key internal stage, paving the way for the General Assembly where formal ratification is expected.
The President also paid tribute to the late founding leaders of the UPND and other members who contributed to the party’s growth.
He urged members to remain focused on improving citizens’ lives, highlighting programmes such as free education and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Hichilema further called for increased mobilisation ahead of the 2026 general elections, urging members to engage communities nationwide.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango praised the unopposed nomination, calling it a reflection of unity and organisational strength within the party.
She said the successful conduct of provincial elections demonstrated discipline and cohesion across party structures.
Nalumango added that unity must be sustained from grassroots level, describing the development as a sign of stability within the party since the 2021 election victory.
Acting UPND Secretary General Getrude Imenda said the party had entered what she called a “second phase” focused on mobilisation and consolidation of support.
She said this phase reflects the “materialisation of political objectives” through collective effort.
Imenda called for stronger grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections, praising President Hichilema’s leadership and describing him as a “vaccine against corruption.”
UPND Alliance Chairperson Charles Milupi urged unity and intensified mobilisation, warning against complacency ahead of the polls.
He said every vote would be critical and stressed that a decisive victory was necessary to ensure effective implementation of government programmes.
New Nation Party President Dr. Nevers Mumba said Zambia was on a positive development path and called for continuity in leadership.
He urged citizens to support the alliance government and warned against reversing progress already achieved.
Political and civic leaders aligned to the ruling alliance also praised the process, describing it as peaceful and transparent.
Democratic Party leader Judith Kabemba commended the nomination process, calling it orderly and reflective of unity, while also praising anti-corruption efforts and free education reforms.
Grassroots leaders, councillors and former civic leaders also expressed support, citing unity at community level and strong backing for the President.
Student leaders from various universities and colleges further voiced support, praising government efforts in education and improved engagement with students.
UNZASU President Mwato Kabaso said students across the country stand in solidarity with the leadership, citing improved welfare and infrastructure in higher learning institutions.
“We are proud of the leadership and we stand with it,” Kabaso said.
Other student representatives echoed similar sentiments, noting positive changes in their institutions and increased government attention to education needs.
Students said they remain committed to engaging in national forums as the country moves toward the 2026 general elections.
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