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Presidential election | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Turnout | 70.61% ( 14.16 pp) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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156 of the 167 seats in the National Assembly 85 seats needed for a majority | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
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Maps | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Zambiaportal |
General elections were held in Zambia on 12 August 2021 to elect the President, National Assembly, mayors, council chairs and councillors. Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development was elected president, defeating incumbent Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front. [1] [2]
On 16 August, Lungu conceded in a televised statement, sending a letter and congratulating Hichilema. [3] [4]
The President is elected via the two-round system. [5] Of the 167 members of the National Assembly, 156 are elected by the first-past-the-post system in single-member constituencies, with a further eight appointed by the President and three others being ex-officio members: the Vice President, the Speaker and a deputy speaker elected from outside the National Assembly (a second deputy speaker is chosen from among the elected members). The minimum voting age is 18, whilst National Assembly candidates must be at least 21. [6]
A total of sixteen candidates registered to run for the presidency. The race was expected to be a close race between Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front and Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development. Both competed in the 2016 presidential elections, which Lungu won by a margin of 50.35% to 47.63%. [7]
On 15 May 2021, Electoral Commission of Zambia chair Esau Chulu launched the start of the election campaign. [12] [13] However politicians were advised to minimise large crowd gatherings during campaign meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Assembly was dissolved on 12 May by President Edgar Lungu to provide a level playing field in the campaign. [14] However, Lungu remains in office as per constitutional requirements. [15]
On 26 May Lungu launched his own campaign. He also directed the police service and Ministry of Health to ensure enforcement of the COVID-19 pandemic health regulations and guidelines without fear or favour. [16] On 3 June, due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, the Electoral Commission suspended campaign rallies again to avoid large crowds. [17] On 15 June, the Electoral Commission banned the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development from campaigning in Lusaka, Mpulungu, Namwala and Nakonde due to political violence. The Commission also banned all roadshows across the country to curb the transmission of COVID-19. [18] On 1 August Lungu ordered the deployment of the military to help the police fight escalating political violence during the campaign. [19] [20]
On 28 July UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda released a statement that the party was disappointed with government institutions being used by President Lungu to block UPND presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema from campaigning. [21] On 30 July, Hichilema and his campaign team were prevented from entering Chipata and detained on the runway of Chipata Airport. Before Hichilema's arrival in Chipata, police had teargassed his supporters. [22] On 3 August, police in Mbala blocked Hichilema and his campaign team from entering the town, with police claiming that he needed a permit to enter. [23] [24]
Hichilema heavily criticised Lungu, claiming he had used state power to interfere with the elections. [25] In a campaign video, Hichilema portrayed Lungu as a morally corrupt individual with a history of monetary mismanagement, while portraying himself as fiscally responsible. [26]
Three days before the elections the government openly stated there was a possibility of an internet shutdown if citizens failed to use cyberspace responsibly during the electoral process. [27] [28] In response to the initial report, Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga promptly issued a statement dismissing the claims as malicious. However, there was a subsequent reversal in Malupenga's stance, as he admitted that an internet shutdown was a viable option. He emphasised the government's stance on preventing the abuse of cyberspace and warned of potential inconveniences if individuals were found to be engaging in misconduct. Malupenga stressed that the government would invoke relevant legal provisions to maintain law and order and ensure peace and stability during the election period. [29]
On 12 August numerous Twitter users took to the platform to express concerns about the apparent shutdown of popular social media and messaging apps such as Messenger, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp in the country. [30] [31] [32] This caused a significant impact as it hindered the flow of information and communication on a vital day for democratic processes. [33] Reports surfaced that internet users resorted to using Virtual Private Network (VPN) services as a workaround to bypass the restrictions imposed on WhatsApp and various social media platforms. Despite these efforts to maintain connectivity, the situation raised questions about the accessibility and freedom of expression during the election period. [34] [35]
In response to the claims, Malupenga refuted the reports, dismissing them as "malicious." He emphasized the government's stance on responsible internet usage, stating that the government would not tolerate any abuse of the internet. Malupenga went on to caution that if any misconduct occurred, the government reserved the right to take legal action to prevent any potential disruption of law and order, particularly during the sensitive election period. His remarks underscored the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and orderly electoral process. Despite Malupenga's statements, the restrictions on social media platforms persisted, creating a challenging environment for citizens to freely express their views and share information. The ongoing limitations on these platforms added an additional layer of complexity to an already tense election period, sparking concerns about the implications for freedom of speech and information dissemination in the country. [36] [33]
On 16 August Hakainde Hichilema was declared president-elect of Zambia. [2] At the time of the announcement, 155 out of Zambia's 156 constituencies had been counted, with only Mandevu constituency still to declare. As the votes in that constituency were insufficient to affect the outcome, the electoral commission announced Hichilema's victory. [37] Edgar Lungu conceded defeat shortly after the announcement. [4] [3]
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
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Hakainde Hichilema | United Party for National Development | 2,852,348 | 59.02 | |
Edgar Lungu | Patriotic Front | 1,870,780 | 38.71 | |
Harry Kalaba | Democratic Party | 25,231 | 0.52 | |
Andyford Banda | People’s Alliance For Change | 19,937 | 0.41 | |
Fred M'membe | Socialist Party | 16,644 | 0.34 | |
Highvie Hamududu | Party of National Unity and Progress | 10,480 | 0.22 | |
Chishala Kateka | New Heritage Party | 8,169 | 0.17 | |
Charles Chanda | United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia | 6,543 | 0.14 | |
Lazarus Chisela | Zambians United For Sustainable Development | 5,253 | 0.11 | |
Nevers Mumba | Movement for Multi-Party Democracy | 4,968 | 0.10 | |
Enock Tonga | 3rd Liberation Movement | 3,112 | 0.06 | |
Trevor Mwamba | United National Independence Party | 3,036 | 0.06 | |
Sean Enock Tembo | Patriots For Economic Progress | 1,813 | 0.04 | |
Stephen Nyirenda | National Restoration Party | 1,808 | 0.04 | |
Kasonde Mwenda | Economic Freedom Fighters | 1,345 | 0.03 | |
Richard Silumbe | Leadership Movement | 1,296 | 0.03 | |
Total | 4,832,763 | 100.00 | ||
Valid votes | 4,832,763 | 97.45 | ||
Invalid/blank votes | 126,569 | 2.55 | ||
Total votes | 4,959,332 | 100.00 | ||
Registered voters/turnout | 7,023,499 | 70.61 | ||
Source: ECZ |
The election in Kaumbwe constituency did not take place on 12 August due to the death of the UPND candidate and was postponed until 21 October 2021. [38]
Party | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United Party for National Development | 2,230,324 | 46.22 | 82 | +24 | |
Patriotic Front | 1,722,718 | 35.70 | 60 | –20 | |
Socialist Party | 61,325 | 1.27 | 0 | New | |
Democratic Party | 50,886 | 1.05 | 0 | 0 | |
People's Alliance for Change | 20,227 | 0.42 | 0 | 0 | |
Party of National Unity and Progress | 13,178 | 0.27 | 1 | +1 | |
United National Independence Party | 12,742 | 0.26 | 0 | 0 | |
Forum for Democracy and Development | 4,006 | 0.08 | 0 | –1 | |
National Democratic Congress | 3,807 | 0.08 | 0 | New | |
Movement for Multi-Party Democracy | 3,665 | 0.08 | 0 | –3 | |
Leadership Movement | 3,585 | 0.07 | 0 | New | |
Christian Democratic Party | 3,471 | 0.07 | 0 | New | |
New Heritage Party | 1,762 | 0.04 | 0 | 0 | |
Golden Party Zambia | 858 | 0.02 | 0 | New | |
National Restoration Party | 664 | 0.01 | 0 | 0 | |
Zambians United for Sustainable Development | 554 | 0.01 | 0 | New | |
Green Party of Zambia | 499 | 0.01 | 0 | 0 | |
United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia | 309 | 0.01 | 0 | New | |
Movement for Democratic Change | 306 | 0.01 | 0 | New | |
Patriots for Economic Progress | 232 | 0.00 | 0 | New | |
Economic Freedom Fighters | 104 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | |
Independents | 690,418 | 14.31 | 13 | –1 | |
Appointed and ex-officio | 11 | – | |||
Total | 4,825,640 | 100.00 | 167 | 0 | |
Valid votes | 4,825,640 | 97.74 | |||
Invalid/blank votes | 111,726 | 2.26 | |||
Total votes | 4,937,366 | 100.00 | |||
Registered voters/turnout | 7,023,499 | 70.30 | |||
Source: ECZ, ECZ, ECZ (Kaumbwe const.) |
The politics of Zambia takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the president of Zambia is head of state, head of government and leader of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. Formerly Northern Rhodesia, Zambia became a republic immediately upon attaining independence in October 1964.
The president of Zambia is the head of state and the head of government of Zambia. The office was first held by Kenneth Kaunda following independence in 1964. Since 1991, when Kaunda left the presidency, the office has been held by seven others: Dr. Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Michael Sata, Edgar Lungu and the current president Hakainde Hichilema, who won the 2021 presidential election. In addition, acting president Guy Scott served in an interim capacity after the death of President Michael Sata.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) is a liberal political party in Zambia, led by Hakainde Hichilema, the current president of the country. The party is an observer member of the Africa Liberal Network.
The Patriotic Front (PF) is a social democratic political party in Zambia. The party was formed by Michael Sata as a breakaway party of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) in 2001 after the President Frederick Chiluba nominated Levy Mwanawasa as its presidential candidate for 2001 elections. The party's main base of support are usually the youth and poor people in urban centres.
General elections were held in Zambia on 28 September 2006 to elect a President, members of the National Assembly and local government councillors. The result was a victory for the ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy, which won 75 of the 150 National Assembly seats and whose candidate, Levy Mwanawasa, won the presidential vote. Voter turnout was just over 70%.
Hakainde Hichilema is a Zambian businessman, farmer, and politician who is the seventh and current president of Zambia since 24 August 2021. After having contested five previous elections in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2016, he won the 2021 presidential election with 59.02% of the vote. He has led the United Party for National Development since 2006 following the death of the party founder Anderson Mazoka.
Presidential elections were held in Zambia on 30 October 2008 following the death of the incumbent President Levy Mwanawasa on 19 August 2008, as the elections had to be called within 90 days of his death. It was expected that there would be internal problems within the ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) as Mwanawasa had not declared a successor prior to his death, but Acting President Rupiah Banda was selected as the MMD's candidate without apparent problems. Michael Sata stood as the candidate of the Patriotic Front (PF), while Hakainde Hichilema stood as the candidate of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Godfrey Miyanda stood as the candidate of the Heritage Party.
General elections were held in Zambia on 20 September 2011, electing a President and members of the National Assembly. Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front (PF) won the presidential elections, defeating incumbent Rupiah Banda of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), and was sworn into office on 23 September. The PF emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly, winning 60 of the 148 seats decided on election day.
Presidential elections were held in Zambia on 20 January 2015 to elect a president to serve the remainder of the term of President Michael Sata, following his death on 28 October 2014.
General elections were held in Zambia on 11 August 2016 to elect the President and National Assembly. A constitutional referendum was held alongside the elections, with proposals to amend the bill of rights and Article 79.
Christine Kaseba is a Zambian physician, surgeon and politician who served as the First Lady of Zambia from September 2011 until her husband's death in October 2014. She is the widow of former President Michael Sata, who died in office on October 28, 2014. Kaseba made an unsuccessful bid for President of Zambia in the January 2015 special presidential election to succeed her husband. She was appointed Zambian Ambassador to France on April 16, 2018.
Edgar Chagwa Lungu is a Zambian politician who served as the sixth president of Zambia from 26 January 2015 to 24 August 2021. Under President Michael Sata, Lungu served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Defence. Following Sata's death in October 2014, Lungu was adopted as the candidate of the Patriotic Front in a Convention of the Patriotic Front in Kabwe, for the January 2015 presidential by-election, which was to determine who would serve out the remainder of Sata's term. In the election, he narrowly defeated opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema and took office on 25 January 2015.
Miles Bwalya Sampa is a Zambian politician, currently serving as Member of Parliament for Matero Constituency and president of the Patriotic Front. The veteran politician previously served as Mayor of Lusaka, having been elected in August 2018. His election in 2021 would see him return to Parliament representing Matero Constituency, a position he served from 2011 to 2016.
Irene Chirwa Mambilima was the Chief Justice of Zambia from 2015 until her death in 2021. She also served as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia and presided over the 2006 and 2011 general elections and the January 2015 presidential by-election. She was part of several election observer missions including in Liberia, Kenya, Mozambique, and Seychelles. Her other international assignments included serving as Sessional Judge of the Supreme Court of The Gambia in 2003. Mambilima sat on the International Board of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) as a Director of the Africa Region. She was also a member of several professional associations including the Zambia Association of Women Judges, the Editorial Board Council of Law Reporting, the Child Fund (Zambia), Women in Law Southern Africa, and the Council of the Institution of Advanced Legal Education.
The inauguration of Edgar Lungu as the 6th president of Zambia took place on 13 September 2016. This was the second time Edgar Lungu took the oath after he first took office on 25 January 2015. Edgar Lungu took the oath alongside Inonge Wina as Vice-President of Zambia. The day of the inauguration was set as a public holiday in Zambia and Monday September 12 as a half working day.
Felix Chipota Mutati is a Zambian politician and leader of the Movement for Democratic Change party. Mutati did not run for a Member of Parliament seat in the 2021 Zambian general election and received a nominated seat by the president. As a nominated Member of Parliament, he was appointed Minister of Technology and Science on 17 September 2021 by the ruling Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
Likando Kalaluka, State Counsel, is a Zambian legal practitioner who served as Attorney General under the government headed by President Edgar Lungu. He is a lawyer and advocate of the High Court for Zambia. Kalaluka is currently serving as the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) board chairman. As Attorney General, Kalaluka was an assistant cabinet member and assistant legal adviser to the Zambian Government.
Events in the year 2021 in Zambia.
Mutinta Hichilema is the First Lady of Zambia, having assumed the role after her husband, Hakainde Hichilema, was elected as President of Zambia in August 2021. She is committed to humanitarian causes and her active involvement in community development programs across Zambia.
The inauguration of Hakainde Hichilema as the 7th president of Zambia was held on 24 August 2021. President-elect Hichilema won by a landslide with over 996,000 votes between him and the Incumbent president Edgar Lungu who got 1,814, 201 votes in the August 2021 presidential election. Hakainde Hichilema took the oath alongside Mutale Nalumango as the Vice-president of Zambia. The venue for the inauguration was National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. Attendance was supposed to be restricted to invited guests only due to the Covid-19 preventive protocols, but was later made open to the public resulting in a filled out stadium The day of the inauguration was declared a public holiday in Zambia by president Edgar Lungu.