AGP Executive Report

Presidential Poll Results: Zambia’s Electoral Commission has declared President Hakainde Hichilema re-elected for a second five-year term, winning with 2,965,326 votes (about 61.4%) against opposition leader Brian Mundubile’s 1,856,217 (about 38%), ending the race without a runoff. Election Aftermath & Security: The Aug. 13 vote was followed by a nationwide counting pause after reports of violence against election staff and theft of marked ballot papers, and authorities later confirmed arrests of prominent opposition figures on election night amid claims of “militia activity.” Opposition Response: Mundubile and allies have disputed the process, with some reports saying they sought refuge at a UN agency in Lusaka, while observers and the EU pointed to unequal campaign conditions and late legal changes that affected the playing field. Court Update: In a separate case, the Lusaka High Court adjourned the murder trial of IBA DG Guntila Muleya because the arresting officer was on election duty.

Zambia Election Count: President Hakainde Hichilema’s lead widened as the ECZ reported results from 161 of 226 constituencies, giving him 2,057,986 votes (about 62%) versus Brian Mundubile’s 1,190,920 (about 36%), with 65 constituencies still outstanding and the ECZ saying final results are due within 72 hours. Opposition Security Claims: Mundubile denied links to any militia after a Kabulonga police operation that authorities say involved 11 arrests and seized military-grade weapons, while his camp says the raid was meant to divert attention from election concerns. Mulungushi Showdown: At the Mulungushi National Totalling Centre, Tonse Alliance official Enock Tonga declared the election “cancelled” during results tallying, prompting security intervention and reports of detention. Energy Regulation: The Energy Regulation Board approved 23 licences and 20 construction permits worth about ZMW 18.4 billion for electricity, renewables and petroleum projects, including utility solar and fuel retail expansion. Aviation: Zambia Airways appointed Aman Wole Gurmu as CEO effective August 1, 2026, aiming to boost regional connectivity and revenue. Sports (WAFCON): Temwa Chawinga won the WAFCON golden boot with five goals and two assists, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda finished among the top scorers. Regional Pressure on Migration: Anti-migrant group March and March held a picket at the SADC summit in Durban under “It’s time to fetch your people,” escalating calls for stricter controls on undocumented foreigners. Disaster Update (Kariba): Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba ferry tragedy death toll rose to 92 after eight more bodies were recovered, as rescue teams continue searching.

Zambia Election Update: President Hakainde Hichilema has pulled further ahead in the presidential vote count, winning 1,544,140 votes from 135 of 226 constituencies, while main rival Brian Mundubile has 1,030,662—ECZ says the race could end in the first round if the 50% threshold holds, as opposition figures allege intimidation, violence and irregularities. Security & Alleged Militia Plot: Zambia’s government says police arrested suspected militia members and “persons of interest” in Lusaka’s Kabulonga, with claims linking some suspects to illegal training and armed insurrection plans; opposition candidate Brian Mundubile is among those named in the operation. Tallying Dispute: NRPUP running mate Makebi Zulu demands ECZ halt result announcements and reconcile polling station results using original Gen-20 forms, while the EU election observers dismiss a circulating “Gen 20 verification” statement as fake. Regional Diplomacy: Tight security is reported as SADC leaders meet in Durban, with Ebola in the DRC and Zambia’s election violence on the agenda. Tragedy on Lake Kariba: In Zimbabwe, the Lake Kariba ferry disaster death toll has risen to 84 after more bodies were recovered, with officials saying searches are still ongoing. WAFCON Awards: Cameroon won WAFCON for the first time after beating Malawi 3-0, with Monique Ngock named best player and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga taking the Golden Boot.

Election Results Update: Zambia’s ECZ says President Hakainde Hichilema is widening his presidential lead, reaching 1,056,812 votes (54.82%) from 105 of 226 constituencies, up by 225,971 over Brian Mundubile’s 830,841 (43.10%). Vote Counting Tensions: Observers warn that a Friday pause in counting over violence and ballot theft risks hurting voter confidence, while ECZ says it is correcting constituency record errors and will release more results. Lusaka Central Dispute: Lusaka Central parliamentary candidate Charity Lumpa has formally asked for independent verification and a recount, citing alleged intimidation and GEN 20 form irregularities; confusion was also reported at the Matero totalling centre. Kariba Ferry Tragedy: On Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe’s ferry disaster death toll has climbed to 80 after more bodies were recovered, including 18 children; Zimbabwe is urging expanded search into Zambian waters. Sports: Zambian Gamphani Lungu scored as Orlando Pirates beat Chippa United 3-0, while Zambia’s Billie Jean King Cup team won bronze.

Zambia Election Update: Hakainde Hichilema is holding an early presidential lead as ECZ consolidates results from 49 of 226 constituencies, with 438,708 votes versus Brian Mundubile’s 351,281—an 87,427-vote gap—after counting resumed following a pause linked to violence and alleged ballot theft. Observer Concerns: EU and SADC election observers say the process was marred by reports of intimidation, abductions and attacks on polling staff, urging parties to cool rhetoric while counting and verification continue. Vote Counting Disruptions: ECZ suspended counting for several hours after security threats, then restarted once officials said the threat was contained, as police reported arrests over the killing of a polling agent. Regional Spotlight: South Africa is set to take over the SADC chair at the August 17 summit in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda. Tragedy on Lake Kariba: In Zimbabwe, the ferry disaster death toll has risen to 68 after 22 more bodies were recovered, with earlier reports putting the total at 72 as searches continue. Green Jobs Push: Zambia, Japan and the ILO launched a sustainable e-waste management project in Central Province aimed at creating youth employment while protecting the environment.

ZambiaDecides2026 Election Updates: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) resumed presidential vote counting after a brief suspension linked to attacks on polling staff and theft of marked ballot papers, with security tightened around key sites in Lusaka; ECZ says more presidential results will follow today at 13:00 and 20:00 as verification continues, while President Hakainde Hichilema urged calm as results take time and candidates face warnings against premature self-declarations. Parliamentary Results: Former Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe conceded defeat in Chililabombwe, while Bishop Edward Chomba won Kankoyo as an independent; George Mwanza narrowly won Chipata Central. Political Tensions: Tonse Alliance spokesperson George Chisanga rejected claims by Brian Mundubile that he declared victory, saying Mundubile’s statement was based on Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT), not official ECZ results. Regional Tragedy: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba ferry disaster death toll rose as rescuers recovered more bodies, with Zambia sharing the lake border. Business & Aviation: Zambia Airways appointed Ethiopian executive Aman Wole as CEO, aiming to expand routes and improve operations.

Zambia Election Update: Zambia’s Electoral Commission (ECZ) lifted its nationwide suspension on vote counting after violence against poll staff and theft of marked ballot papers, saying security threats were contained. Counting resumed and the first official batch of presidential results came from four constituencies (out of 226), with President Hakainde Hichilema leading: 22,476 votes versus Brian Mundubile’s 14,388. ECZ said more results will follow, with the final expected by Aug 17. Political Tensions: Mundubile and his allies traded accusations of military interference and premature victory claims, while Zambia Police dismissed social media reports that Mundubile was arrested. Law and Order: Police arrested nine suspects over the alleged murder of a polling agent in Matero and warned against statements that could incite violence. International Clarification: The UN in Zambia denied it has an electoral observation mandate and said claims of UN endorsement of candidates are false.

Zambia Election Crisis: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended vote counting and the announcement of results nationwide after reports of violence targeting polling staff and the alleged theft of marked ballot papers, saying it will review the decision in 24 hours; opposition leader Brian Mundubile warned the halt creates a “dangerous vacuum” and demanded immediate publication and verification of results, while President Hakainde Hichilema urged calm as official presidential results were previously expected soon. Allegations of Interference: Mundubile also alleged military interference at some polling centres, while separate reports say police arrested two electoral officers at Monze over an alleged results swap involving votes meant for Hichilema. Copper-and-Costs Stakes: With Zambia’s economy and living costs at the centre of the presidential contest, voters are weighing whether the copper-driven recovery has improved daily life as the country waits in limbo for ECZ updates. Regional Focus: SADC leaders meet in Durban to push industrialisation and critical minerals transformation, underscoring how the region’s development agenda is tied to political stability.

Zambia Election Countdown: Vote counting is underway after Thursday’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with ECZ saying some stations opened late and voting continued to complete the 12-hour period; provisional results are expected to trickle in tonight, while final presidential results are due Monday, August 17, as Lusaka and the Copperbelt report higher turnout. Tension at the Results Stage: Opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says his team is receiving reports of possible disturbances during the counting and says they will engage ECZ for clarification, urging supporters to stay alert. Ballot Rules Warning: ECZ reiterates that sharing images of marked ballot papers is an offence and warns it will investigate people posting such pictures. Economy at the Centre: Coverage frames the race as a test of Hakainde Hichilema’s economic reforms versus persistent cost-of-living pressure, with voters weighing whether recovery is reaching households. Regional Context: A study warns human-elephant conflict in Southern Africa could worsen as populations and farms expand and protected areas dry out.

Election Day in Lusaka: President Hakainde Hichilema has cast his ballot in the capital, urging voters to turn out before polls close at 18:00 and reminding them to bring their green national registration cards and voter cards. Two-horse race: Coverage frames the presidential contest as mainly between Hichilema and opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, with the economy and cost of living at the centre of the vote. Security checks: Police in Lusaka arrested six people during election-day stop-and-search operations, recovering ammunition and election-related materials; they asked independent candidate Sean Tembo to present himself for questioning. Voter turnout watch: Southern Province is reporting lower turnout, with shorter queues and faster processing than in places like Lusaka and the Copperbelt. Ballot concerns: Transparency International Zambia says it has logged 114 polling-day incidents by 10:00, including armed police presence, pen disputes, register discrepancies, and reports of incorrect ballot papers. Regional spillover: A Zambia-linked environmental story also continues after a 2025 mine pollution incident on the Copperbelt left residents living with contamination.

Zambia Election Day: Polls opened across the country for the Aug. 13 general election, with about 8.7 million registered voters expected to choose President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term, plus MPs and local councilors; the race is widely framed as a contest between HH and opposition challenger Brian Mundubile, with results expected on Monday. Election Integrity Row: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) dismissed claims of pre-marked ballots being transported via South Africa, saying all papers were received, verified and distributed in the presence of party monitors. Campaign Tensions: Opposition leaders say the vote is unlikely to be free and fair, while U.S. senators urged peaceful, credible polls and warned against restrictions on opposition activity. Security and Rights: LAZ and SADC called for voting without violence, intimidation or corruption, as civil society and international voices press for a fair process. Regional Tragedy: In Zimbabwe, an overloaded ferry on Lake Kariba sank, with the death toll rising to 44 and rescue efforts continuing.

Election Security: Zambia’s interior ministry says security agencies have arrested several suspects over an alleged plot to disrupt Thursday’s elections, including three former senior officials accused of providing “technical services,” plus a Kenyan national; a journalist and a detained former ambassador were later released. Campaign Tensions: President Hakainde Hichilema urged Mandevu voters to back the UPND, while the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance warned of “already marked” voter registers in Western Province, saying it has deployed agents to verify claims. Results Integrity: The ECZ launched the National Election Results Centre and urged the public to rely only on official updates, warning against AI and social media misinformation during the results period. Regional Call for Peace: SADC chair Peter Mutharika urged Zambians to vote peacefully and protect the peace before, during and after polling day. Tragedy Beyond Borders: On Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, an overloaded ferry capsized, with police updating the death toll to 44 as rescue operations continue.

Election Countdown: Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday, with President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic recovery record facing a tougher challenge from Brian Mundubile and the Tonse Alliance, as voters weigh cost-of-living pressure and whether reforms have reached households. ECZ Crackdown: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has revoked Binwell Mpundu’s access to the National Results Centre after “ready to kill” remarks circulated online, citing public safety and electoral order. Rights and Detentions: Caritas Zambia is demanding answers over alleged arrests and detentions, including concerns about the whereabouts and medical needs of Ambassador Martha Lungu Mwitumwa and Hannah Katonoka. Campaign Tensions: Hichilema rallies Lusaka voters for UPND, while opposition figures allege intimidation and abductions ahead of voting. Infrastructure Push: Lusaka’s Shimabala Toll Plaza is set for a K117m upgrade to ease congestion. Regional Tragedy: A ferry capsized on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba, killing at least 15 and leaving 27 missing—rescue operations continue.

Road & Water Upgrades: RDA has awarded a K117.6m contract to China Railway Seventh Group to upgrade and expand the Shimabala Toll Plaza in Lusaka, adding lanes and improving approaches to ease congestion, while ZAF and NAPSA signed a K150m deal for a 12km pipeline under the Bulk Water Supply Project for over 25,000 residents. Election Watch: ICGLR observers say Zambia’s pre-election atmosphere has been peaceful, as ECZ intensifies preparations in Sioma and warns broadcasters against predicting results; meanwhile, AU-COMESA has deployed 93 observers. Campaign & Politics: President Hichilema urged Lusaka voters to back UPND, promising lower living costs and continued delivery, while opposition figures trade accusations over alleged intimidation, missing campaign security, and “ready to kill” election remarks; civil society also warns of an uneven playing field and calls for impartial enforcement. Business & Jobs: Barrick appointed South African Sebastiaan Bock to lead its “rest of world” operations, highlighting Africa’s role in growth. Sports: ZESCO United named Mwenya Chipepo as head coach.

Election Countdown: Zambia’s ECZ says ballot papers remain valid even without a cross, as long as voter intent is clear, amid a growing ballot-marking dispute ahead of the 13 August vote. Observer Mission: The AU-COMESA team has deployed 93 observers across all 10 provinces, with preliminary findings due on 15 August. Campaign Tensions: Government warns against “engineered clashes” and illegal rallies in Lusaka and Copperbelt meant to provoke police, as election violence concerns rise. Political Heat: NRPUP’s Binwell Mpundu now says the viral “ready to kill” video is authentic, blaming his media team for earlier claims it was AI-generated. Legal Matters: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has put Raphael Nakachinda on his defence over alleged tribal hatred remarks. Governance & Economy: Cabinet approved new regional fuel pipeline projects to diversify petroleum supply. Education Push: President Hichilema tells students education is the “best equaliser,” citing free education and meal allowances. Sports (Zambia in Africa): Zambia is drawn in Group A of Futsal AFCON Morocco 2026 alongside Morocco, Libya and Algeria. Environment (Region): Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new high-altitude areas across East and southern Africa.

Zambia Election Countdown: ECZ says any clear mark showing a voter’s choice is valid, even if it’s not a cross, as it pushes back on ballot-marking confusion ahead of 13 August. Election Readiness: ECZ has trained 560 poll staff in Isoka and Lusaka District has accredited 4,285 observers and monitors, while Masaiti meetings urged agents to follow the code of conduct and remove campaign materials after polling. Accreditation Worries: In Vubwi, ECZ warns low accreditation numbers could bar monitors from entering polling stations. Peace and Information Discipline: CROP calls for restraint to protect older people, and ECZ cautions media and observers against sharing unverified election claims online. Politics and Security: NRPUP’s Brian Mundubile held a virtual Southern Province rally citing violence fears, and reports allege armed men seized opposition figures in Lusaka. Health Insurance: A study says Zambia’s national health insurance can cut costs for older people, but funding gaps limit its impact. Economy Watch: Kwacha stays relatively stable but remains under pressure as investors wait for election results.