Early Signs Encouraging for President Hichilema as Count Continues, Says UPND

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has said the early trends emerging from the ongoing vote count are encouraging for President Hakainde Hichilema, pointing to a strong performance as tallying continues across the country.

In a statement issued in Lusaka this morning, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, a member of the party's National Management Committee, said reports from tallying centres pointed to a strong result for the President. He said turnout had been high in Southern, Western and North-Western Provinces, described the picture in Central Province as favourable, and noted gains for Mr Hichilema in Northern Province. Overall turnout, he added, appeared to be settling closer to the Zambian norm.

While upbeat, Mr Haimbe framed the remarks as early indications rather than results. "The UPND has declared nothing and will declare nothing," he said, stressing that only the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) can declare the outcome, and calling on all parties, candidates and supporters to await its official announcement.

He cautioned against unverified claims of victory circulating in some quarters, saying they came with no source, data or methodology. Every party had agents who signed the official results forms, he noted, and the law set out a clear process for tabulation and for resolving any grievance.

The statement also praised the election as peaceful and well administered, drawing a contrast with 2021, and urged Zambians to exercise patience while the ECZ completes its work.