Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema leads trader consensus for Zambia’s August 13, 2026, presidential election. Recent opinion polls show him at 55-63 percent against a fragmented field, bolstered by endorsements from multiple smaller parties in late 2024 and early 2025. Brian Mundubile, backed by a key opposition alliance, trails amid questions over Electoral Commission of Zambia composition and limited polling traction. Fred M’membe registers minimal support. A record 26 candidates have filed, reflecting open access but also opposition splits that complicate any challenger reaching the 50 percent-plus-one threshold. Traders appear to price in continuity under current economic and institutional conditions ahead of nominations and the campaign period.