Democratic Party Backs President Hichilema for 2026

The Democratic Party (DP) has thrown its weight behind President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of the 2026 General Election, citing his record on education and mining as key reasons for the endorsement.

DP President Judith Kabemba made the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka, declaring that the party had resolved to mobilise fully behind the incumbent. "We are going to go flat out and campaign for him," she said, expressing confidence that President Hichilema would secure re-election. Ms. Kabemba added that Zambia remained in "safe hands" under his leadership.

Despite the presidential endorsement, Ms. Kabemba confirmed that the DP would continue to field its own candidates at parliamentary, mayoral, and ward levels, signalling a coalition approach rather than a full merger of electoral effort.

Ms. Kabemba also used the briefing to take aim at politicians she accused of inconsistency, specifically those who opposed Bill 7 — now enacted as Constitution Amendment Act No. 13 of 2025 — but are now calling for delimitation. She urged all political players to engage in issue-based politics and cautioned against reflexive opposition driven by partisan positioning rather than principle.

The endorsement represents a boost for the ruling UPND ahead of the election cycle, and adds to the growing number of political formations signalling support for President Hichilema's re-election bid.