Hichilema Secures Second Term as Opposition Figures Reportedly Seek Refuge

 

LUSAKA, Tuesday, August 18, 2026

President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second term in office following a landslide victory over his closest rival, Brian Mundubile of the New Dawn Rainbow Party, according to final election results reported by News Diggers.

The newspaper reports that Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis announced the final results of the August 13 general election, confirming President Hichilema’s victory.

In a separate development, opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu have reportedly sought refuge at a United Nations agency in Lusaka amid fears of arrest over alleged links to a militia group.

The report follows an earlier government statement indicating that Mundubile had allegedly been found at the scene of a shootout involving police officers and individuals suspected of belonging to his political party during an operation on the night of August 13.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia has continued releasing parliamentary election results. Preliminary figures suggest that the governing United Party for National Development is maintaining a strong lead as it seeks to secure a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.

However, several opposition parliamentary candidates have reportedly disputed some results, alleging that irregularities affected the outcome in certain constituencies.

The newspaper also reports that the Energy Regulation Board has approved licences for energy-sector investments valued at approximately K18.4 billion.

The developments come as Zambia awaits the completion of the electoral process and the final composition of the National Assembly.

This summary is based on stories appearing on the front page of News Diggers dated August 18, 2026. Allegations concerning individuals and disputed election results remain subject to official confirmation and further reporting.