Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second consecutive 5-year term, facing a formidable challenge from the opposition leader who tapped into public discontent despite the country’s economic progress. The election commission announced that Hichilema garnered around 60% of valid votes, while his primary rival, Brian Mundubile, received approximately 38%. In the early hours of Tuesday, commission chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis officially declared Hichilema as the president-elect of Zambia.
This election marked Hichilema’s seventh bid for the presidency, leveraging the advantages of incumbency, whereas it was Mundubile’s first attempt at the top political position. Hichilema, aged 64, centered his campaign on his economic achievements following his leadership during the pandemic-induced debt crisis in 2021. Zambia, known for its copper resources, has been a focal point for competition between global powers like China and the United States.
The post-election period turned chaotic following a relatively calm lead-up to the August 13 vote. International observers, including the European Union, acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the election but raised concerns about limitations on fundamental freedoms throughout the broader electoral process. Tensions escalated as authorities arrested 11 individuals, including prominent opposition figures, amidst gunfire exchanges during Mundubile’s presence.
After reports of violence against polling staff and ballot paper theft, the electoral commission halted vote-counting for several hours. Allegations of result form tampering surfaced, prompting Mundubile to call for an independent investigation, a claim refuted by Hichilema’s camp. The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed worry over the army’s involvement in the vote counting, emphasizing that maintaining order during elections is the responsibility of the Zambia Police Service as per the constitution and statutes.
While the opposition is anticipated to challenge the election results through legal channels, experts suggest the likelihood of success is slim. Despite the potential for isolated political unrest in the near future, widespread turmoil is not foreseen.