Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema Wins Second Term

Zambia has voted for continuity. President Hakainde Hichilema has been re elected for a second five year term after securing around 60 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission. His closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, received about 38 percent, while the remaining candidates trailed far behind. Hichilema’s victory was widely expected, but the election process was far from free of controversy.

Mundubile had earlier claimed that he had won the election and alleged discrepancies between polling station results and the figures officially announced. He also raised allegations of military involvement at tallying centres, though he did not provide evidence to support those claims. The opposition’s concerns intensified after armed personnel raided Mundubile’s home in Lusaka. Authorities accused some opposition figures of plotting an insurrection, allegations Mundubile strongly rejected. He described the raid as an attack and denied that weapons or militia were being kept at his residence.

After being declared the winner, Hichilema adopted a conciliatory tone. He thanked Zambians for their trust and said the election demonstrated that Zambia remained a peaceful and democratic nation where political differences could be settled at the ballot box. He also acknowledged voters who supported his opponents, saying his government would continue to work for them as well.

Meanwhile, celebrations erupted in the capital Lusaka, where hundreds of Hichilema’s supporters, dressed in the red colours of his United Party for National Development, took to the streets. The scenes reflected the strength of Hichilema’s political support, but they also came at a time when questions were being raised about the credibility of the electoral process.

Counting was briefly suspended after reports of violence targeting polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers in some areas. Although the suspension was lifted later the same day, election observers expressed concern that such disruptions could affect public confidence. Regional and international observers described election day as largely peaceful but highlighted concerns about late electoral reforms, media freedom and access to the media during the campaign. They also reported allegations of intimidation, assault, abduction and property damage in several provinces, although some of these claims could not be independently verified.

Zambia has traditionally been known for peaceful transfers of power since the return to multiparty democracy in 1991. Hichilema’s re election therefore represents a continuation of that political tradition. But the real test now is whether the opposition accepts the result or challenges it through legal channels. For Hichilema, the second term begins with a clear mandate at the ballot box, but also with the responsibility of addressing the concerns raised over the election and proving that Zambia’s democratic institutions remain strong.

In short, Hichilema has secured another five years in power, but his victory is being accompanied by opposition allegations and questions over the conduct of the election.