Zambia’s electoral commission has declared President Hakainde Hichilema the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a second five-year term after receiving 60 per cent of the total votes cast.
Hichilema, 64, defeated his closest rival, Brian Mundubile, who obtained 38 per cent of the vote. The remaining 12 candidates recorded significantly lower figures.
The election followed a tense campaign, with Mundubile previously claiming victory and alleging voting irregularities, although he did not provide evidence to support the claims.
The poll also came days after several prominent opposition figures were arrested during a security operation. Authorities accused them of plotting an insurrection, an allegation Mundubile dismissed as fabricated.
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Reacting to his victory, Hichilema thanked voters for their confidence and pledged to serve all Zambians, including those who supported other candidates.
“We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands,” Hichilema said.
Hichilema described the election as evidence that Zambia remains a peaceful and democratic country capable of resolving political differences through the ballot box.
He also assured opposition supporters that his administration would continue working for them.
Following the announcement, hundreds of supporters of Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND), dressed in the party’s red colours, took to the streets of Lusaka to celebrate his re-election.
