Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has won re-election for a second five-year term, receiving 60% of the vote according to the electoral commission’s official announcement.
Hichilema’s victory was anticipated, with his main opponent Brian Mundubile securing 38% of the votes. The other 12 candidates received significantly smaller shares of the electorate’s support.
The electoral system in Zambia requires a candidate to achieve over 50% of the vote to win in the initial round, eliminating the need for a runoff election.
The results followed a contentious process, during which 55-year-old Mundubile had prematurely claimed victory and accused the electoral process of irregularities, though no evidence was presented to substantiate these claims.
Speaking after his declaration as winner, the 64-year-old Hichilema stated: “We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands.”
He emphasized that the election demonstrated Zambia’s commitment to peace, law, order, and democratic principles, noting that the country resolves its differences through voting rather than other means.
“To those citizens who preferred the ideas presented by our opponents, we hear you, and we will continue to work for you,” he added in his remarks.
Supporters of Hichilema celebrated in the streets of Lusaka, the capital city, wearing red attire representing his UPND party following the results announcement.
Also Read
- Sweden’s Opposition Bloc Narrows Gap With Ruling Coalition in Early Vote Count
- Political Tensions Rise as One Nation’s Net-Negative Migration Plan Faces Criticism; Electrification Campaign Promises $5,000 Annual Savings for Households
- Canadian Commercial Real Estate Investors Maintain Strong U.S. Spending Despite Escalating Trade Tensions
- OTC Markets Group Partners with CITIC Securities (HK) to Deliver U.S. OTC Equity Data to Hong Kong Investors
