Unprecedented crowds in Zambia as President Hichilema submits his candidacy for the upcoming elections

Written by: Mohammed Omran

The Mulungushi International Convention Centre saw a large turnout yesterday as President Hakainde Hichilema submitted his candidacy papers ahead of the general election. Zambia Scheduled for August 13, 2026.

Huge crowds in Mulungushi as Hichilema advances his candidacy for the upcoming elections

The nomination center began to resemble a football stadium packed to capacity with fans waiting for a match, amid a record turnout of the president's supporters who flocked to the place with great enthusiasm to participate in the day's events.

By midday, the scene around the Mulungushi Center had transformed into something much bigger than just an election nomination process.

The atmosphere was energetic and enthusiastic, as supporters transformed the place into a vibrant space for gathering and communication. Supporters began arriving as early as 10 a.m., coming from all over the country, stretching from the gates of Parliament, Manda Hill Mall, and the pedestrian bridges of the University of Zambia along the Great East Road, causing traffic to slow down and prompting road users to avoid the area.

The supporters were wearing party uniforms, carrying banners, and blowing whistles as they tried to get a close look at President Hichilema. By the afternoon, the area was completely full and there was no room to move; standing was the only option.

From the edges of the road all the way inside the nomination center, the attendees stood shoulder to shoulder, singing and chanting election slogans.

The excitement increased when the motorcade of Vice President Mutali Nalmango arrived, before the president, sparking waves of cheers in the packed crowds.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the long-awaited moment arrived when the presidential motorcade arrived, igniting excitement in the place.

As soon as President Hichilema stepped out of his car accompanied by First Lady Mutenta Hichilema, the place erupted in cheers, applause and joy, and supporters rushed to try to enter the nominations hall, but entry was restricted to accredited officials and delegates only.

While the Election Commission (ECZ) was reviewing and examining the president's nomination papers, all the seats inside the hall were filled, as party officials and a number of former ministers lined up to support him morally.

Among the former ministers who attended were: Mlambo Haimbe, Felix Mutati, Rodney Secumba, and Jacques Mwembo, along with others who were not spotted in the crowds.

During the proceedings, supporters kept the place lively with singing and dancing, in an atmosphere that seemed more like a public celebration than an administrative procedure, as former ministers and senior party officials mingled with supporters in a scene of complete solidarity behind the president.

Outside the KK Wing, the crowds grew even larger as they awaited the president's speech after the nomination process concluded, until movement became almost impossible due to the extreme congestion, with supporters packed together and flags raised high.

The order and discipline that prevailed at the gathering was clearly noticeable, while the police monitored the situation for any violations.

Scenes of violence or chaos were absent, replaced by cheering, celebration, and anticipation, as supporters simply wanted to follow what they described as a pivotal political moment.

When President Hichilema finally came out to speak to the crowds after successfully submitting his candidacy, he was greeted by a loud cheer that echoed throughout Molongoshi, in a scene described by his supporters as looking like an election victory before election day.