Hichilema Set for September 1 Inauguration as Presidential Petition Window Closes

 

LUSAKA, August 25, 2026 — President-elect Hakainde Hichilema will be sworn into office on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, after the legally prescribed period for challenging the presidential election results expired without any petition being filed.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick K. Kangwa announced the development in a press statement, confirming that the Judiciary had not received a petition by the end of the seven-day period provided for challenging the outcome of a presidential election.

“At the expiration of the seven days provision allowed for filing in of a petition challenging a Presidential election, the Judiciary had not received any petition,” Mr Kangwa stated.

The absence of a petition clears the way for the inauguration of Mr Hichilema, who was declared winner of the presidential election following the conclusion of the August 13 general election.

Mr Kangwa said the swearing-in ceremony would proceed in accordance with Article 105 of the Constitution of Zambia, Act No. 2 of 2016.

“In this regard, the swearing-in of the President-elect, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, shall be held on Tuesday 1st September 2026,” the statement said.

The Government has not yet announced the venue for the inauguration. Mr Kangwa said details concerning the location of the ceremony would be communicated in due course.

The announcement brings to an end days of speculation over whether the presidential election results would be challenged before the Constitutional Court.

Under Article 105 of the Constitution, an eligible party seeking to dispute the election of a president is required to file a petition within seven days of the declaration of the winning candidate. Once a petition is filed, the Constitutional Court is mandated to hear and determine the matter within the period prescribed by law.

However, with the Judiciary confirming that it received no petition before the deadline, preparations for the swearing-in ceremony are now expected to take centre stage.

The inauguration will formally mark the beginning of President-elect Hichilema’s new term of office and complete the constitutional transition from the electoral process to the formation of the next administration.

Government departments, security agencies and other institutions involved in organising state ceremonies are expected to provide additional information on accreditation, attendance, security arrangements and public participation once the venue is confirmed.

The statement was issued by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick K. Kangwa on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.