PRESIDENTIAL SIBLINGS STEAL THE BALLOT SHOW
…HH’s sons spark social media frenzy as Zambia votes in peaceful general election
By DAVID KANDUZA
FIRST Sons, Chikonka and Habwela Hichelema, unexpectedly stole the limelight on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during the general election, sparking a massive viral frenzy across the nation’s social media landscape.
The two young men accompanied their parents President Hichelema and First Lady Mutinta, to exercise their democratic rights at the Kabulonga Boys Secondary School Polling Station in Lusaka.
During the last general election in 2021, Chikonka and Habwela voted for the first time as quiet teenagers, drawing little public scrutiny.
Five years later, the presidential siblings returned to the ballot box as grown adults, instantly captivating millions of young Zambian internet users who flooded platforms like Facebook and TikTok with reactions.
The sudden reappearance of the First Sons completely transformed the online commentary surrounding a highly anticipated election day.
Thousands of female admirers playfully appealed directly to President Hichilema on his official pages, asking the head of State to share his sons’ phone numbers so they could officially become his in-laws.
The lighthearted phenomenon also triggered a wave of humorous self-deprecation from young Zambian men.
Many commented that the sharp appearance of the President’s sons left ordinary citizens feeling visibly outclassed in the looks department.
Later, President Hichilema published an official statement on his social media pages to address the country.
He expressed profound gratitude to the millions of citizens who turned out to cast their votes or patiently remained in queue.