Zambia's President Hichilema wins second term

Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected as Zambia's president, securing a second five-year term after winning 60% of the vote, the electoral commission announced. His victory was widely expected, with his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, garnering 38% of the ballots cast.

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We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands.

Following the declaration, Hichilema, 64, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands." He highlighted the election as a testament to Zambia's status as a peaceful, law-abiding, and democratic nation where differences are resolved at the ballot box. He also pledged to continue working for all citizens, including those who supported opposing candidates.

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We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands.

The election process was not without contention. Mundubile, 55, had previously claimed victory and alleged voting irregularities without providing evidence. Furthermore, authorities arrested several opposition figures, accusing them of plotting an insurrection, a claim Mundubile dismissed as a fabrication. Mundubile also described a raid on his Lusaka home, where he alleged armed personnel broke down his gate and doors, and fired shots, stating, "So they came in to kill us."

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We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands.

Zambia has a history of peaceful power transitions since returning to multiparty democracy in 1991. Despite the allegations of irregularities and the arrests, regional and international observers largely characterized Election Day as peaceful, urging all parties to respect the official process. It remains uncertain whether the opposition will formally challenge the election results. The electoral commission had briefly suspended vote counting due to reports of violence and ballot theft but lifted the suspension the same day.

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We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands.