Hichilema goes unopposed for UPND presidency ahead of general conference

President Hakainde Hichilema has gone unopposed after successfully filing his nomination papers for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) presidential candidature ahead of the party’s General Conference scheduled for April 15, 2026. The nomination was made by Luapula Province and seconded by Lusaka, Northern, Western, Copperbelt and Eastern provinces. Speaking at the party’s Anderson Kambela Mazoka Secretariat in Lusaka on Sunday, UPND Election Chairperson, Likando Mufalali, confirmed that President Hichilema met all constitutional requirements.

“April 12, 2026, is the deadline for presidential nominations, and only one candidate has filed his nomination,” he said, adding that the party had successfully conducted Ward, Constituency, District and Provincial elections. UPND Deputy Spokesperson, Elvis Nkandu, said the unopposed nomination reaffirmed President Hichilema’s leadership and the confidence the party membership had in his stewardship. “This endorsement reflects internal cohesion and continued support for his vision, policies and commitment to national development,” Nkandu stated, adding that the renewed mandate strengthens the party’s preparation for the 2026 General Elections.

An Elections Independent Commission representative, Isaac Mwanza, confirmed that the nomination met all requirements in accordance with Article 78 of the UPND constitution. Meanwhile, Vice President Mutale Nalumango announced her intention to seek election as a member of the National Management Committee (NMC). “I remain committed to serving our party with integrity, dedication and a steadfast focus on strengthening our collective vision,” she said. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.