Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema Wins Second Five‑Year Term
The electoral commission announced that Hakainde Hichilema has been re‑elected for a second five‑year term, securing 60% of the vote. His closest rival, Brian Mundubile, received 38%, and all 12 remaining candidates lagged far behind.
The result followed a contested process. Mundubile had earlier claimed victory, alleging, without evidence, irregularities in the vote. He also accused authorities of staging a raid on his home, describing armored vehicles, broken doors, and gunfire.
High‑profile opposition figures were arrested after the election, and the authorities said they were charged for alleged insurrection plots. Mundubile called the allegations fabrications and pledged to address any complaints in court.
In a statement after being declared winner, Hichilema said, 'We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in us.' He described Zambia as a peaceful democracy that resolves differences at the ballot box, and urged those who preferred his opponents to know that their concerns were heard.
Hundreds of UPND supporters, wearing red shirts, flooded the streets of Lusaka to celebrate the outcome. The city’s streets paraded the flags of the United Party for National Development and the national flag, with cheers echoing through the capital.
Observers noted that the vote counted was largely peaceful, though early reports of violence and ballot theft prompted a brief suspension of the counting. They warned that such actions could affect public confidence, and called for calm and respect of the electoral process.
The next weeks will reveal whether the opposition will challenge the result in court, as the political landscape in Zambia stabilizes under its new leadership.
Source: Reuters
