Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has been declared the winner of the country’s August 13 presidential election, securing a second term after a closely watched and contentious vote.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia announced the final results early Tuesday, showing Hichilema winning approximately 60 percent of the valid votes, while his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, garnered about 38 percent.
The victory gives Hichilema another five-year mandate after his first term in office, which began following his 2021 election victory.
The election was Hichilema’s seventh attempt at the presidency, while Mundubile was making his first bid for the country's top office.
Election marred by tensions
Although the campaign period was relatively calm, tensions rose sharply on election night.
Authorities arrested 11 people, including prominent opposition figures, during a security operation that reportedly involved an exchange of gunfire. Mundubile was present during the incident.
The Electoral Commission later suspended vote counting for several hours following reports of violence targeting election officials and the theft of ballot papers.
Mundubile subsequently raised concerns over the integrity of the results, claiming he had received information suggesting that results forms from some polling stations could have been altered.
He called for an urgent independent investigation into the allegations.
Hichilema's camp rejected the claims, accusing the opposition leader of making false statements.
Hichilema secures another mandate
The result means Hichilema will remain Zambia's president for another term, giving his United Party for National Development (UPND) government an opportunity to continue implementing its economic and development agenda.
The outcome, however, is likely to face scrutiny from opposition parties and observers following the reported incidents during the counting process.
The election has also renewed debate over Zambia's democratic institutions, electoral transparency and the conduct of political competition ahead of the official transition into Hichilema's second term.
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Category: International
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