Democratic Party, PF councillors back Hichilema for 2026 election

President Hakainde Hichilema has received fresh political backing ahead of the August general election following endorsements from the Democratic Party and several Patriotic Front councillors. The declarations of support mark another development in the political positioning that is unfolding across the country as parties and political figures prepare for the national polls. The endorsements also highlight how the election narrative is beginning to take shape months before voters head to the ballot.

The Democratic Party announced its position through party president Judith Kabemba, who said the organisation had resolved to support President Hichilema in the presidential race. Kabemba explained that while the party will field candidates for parliamentary, mayoral and councillor positions, it would back the incumbent leader for the presidency. She said the decision followed internal consultations and an assessment of national political developments.

Kabemba stated that the party considered developments in governance and economic management when deciding to support Hichilema’s candidacy. According to the party leader, members of the Democratic Party believed that continuing the current leadership would allow ongoing national programmes to progress. She indicated that the endorsement was taken in what the party viewed as the broader national interest.

The announcement came alongside statements from several Patriotic Front councillors from Mpulungu who have also indicated support for the President’s re-election bid. The councillors said development initiatives in their constituencies had influenced their decision. They pointed to infrastructure projects and other government programmes which they said were having an impact on local communities.

Some councillors explained that their political stance was shaped by the changes they were seeing within their areas. They said development projects had altered the local political environment and influenced how they viewed the leadership contest ahead of the election. Their endorsement represents a notable development because it comes from individuals who were elected under an opposition party banner.

Cross-party endorsements often attract attention during election periods because they signal shifts within the political landscape. When figures from outside the ruling party publicly support an incumbent president, the move can influence how voters interpret political momentum. Such declarations may also reflect internal disagreements within opposition structures or strategic decisions by individual leaders.

The Democratic Party leadership said its decision was made after discussions within party structures about the national political situation. Kabemba stated that members of the party believed supporting President Hichilema would contribute to what they described as stability and continued development. She said the party would still contest other electoral positions across the country.

Meanwhile, the councillors who expressed support for the President emphasised that their decision was based on local political considerations. They said their endorsement should not necessarily be interpreted as abandoning their political affiliations. Instead, they described it as a reflection of their assessment of development taking place in their constituencies.

Election periods in Zambia often produce shifting alliances as parties and political actors reposition themselves. Endorsements from smaller parties and individual leaders can influence the direction of campaign narratives and shape perceptions about the strength of particular candidates. They may also contribute to broader efforts by candidates to demonstrate national appeal beyond their immediate political bases.

As the August election approaches, political statements and endorsements are expected to increase across the country. Parties are beginning to mobilise supporters while outlining their campaign messages and strategic alliances. The latest endorsements for President Hichilema represent one of the early signals of how the campaign landscape may evolve.

Observers note that similar declarations from political actors across the country may continue as election preparations intensify. With several months remaining before the polls, the political environment is expected to see further realignments and public endorsements. These developments are likely to play a significant role in shaping the tone and direction of Zambia’s upcoming election campaign.