Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected as Zambia's president, securing 60% of the vote. The victory marks his second term in office. Zambia has a history of peaceful power transfers, with presidential transitions occurring through the ballot box since the return to multiparty democracy in 1991.
Regional and international observers characterized election day as largely peaceful, urging all parties to remain calm and respect the official process. However, they did express concerns regarding late electoral reforms, media freedom, and access to media outlets in the period leading up to the poll.
The European Union's observation mission noted that restrictions on the opposition during the campaigning period may have contributed to an uneven contest. Additionally, the observer mission from the southern African bloc (Sadc), led by former Malawian minister Samuel Tembenu, reported unverified accounts of intimidation, assault, abduction, and property damage across five provinces.
Election Day Concerns
An electoral commission spokesperson briefly suspended the vote count and announcement of results the day after polling, citing reports of violence targeting polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers in some areas. The suspension was lifted later the same day. Observers also voiced concerns over this brief suspension, stating it risked undermining the credibility of the electoral process and voter confidence.
Following the announcement of results, opposition figure Mundubile alleged discrepancies between polling station results and official announcements, claiming military involvement at tallying centers. Mundubile also described an incident where armed personnel allegedly raided his home in Lusaka, breaking down a gate with an armored vehicle and forcing entry. He denied allegations of storing high-grade military weapons or harboring a militia at his residence.
Mulambo Haimbe, Hichilema's election agent and a senior member of the United Party for National Development (UPND), refuted Mundubile's remarks about the home raid. Haimbe indicated that criminal charges were being prepared against those arrested and that the courts would handle any challenges to the election outcome.
President Hichilema expressed gratitude for his re-election, stating he was humbled by the victory and pledging to work for all Zambians.