President Hakainde Hichilema was announced early Tuesday as the victor of a second term, following a turbulent campaign where he dismissed repression allegations and pledged to revitalize Zambia’s pivotal mining industry.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia reported that Hichilema secured 60% of the vote.
Rich in copper and other critical minerals, Zambia — a landlocked southern African nation — has become a focal point of geopolitical competition, as the Trump administration seeks expanded access to its resources, which are presently dominated by Chinese firms.
Hichilema now faces a delicate agenda, having recently confronted the United States over its request for access to Zambia’s critical minerals in return for aid, while Zambia has pursued months‑long negotiations for U.S. health assistance without a public agreement.
Beyond foreign policy, the 64‑year‑old president must also address domestic challenges.
The reputation he entered office with as a champion of good governance five years ago has been tarnished amid allegations that he sought to concentrate power and suppress dissent. The campaign saw opposition leaders detained, the vote count briefly halted, and independent monitors accusing the incumbent of misusing state resources.
Even prior to the final results, opposition leader Brian Mundubile condemned the process, declaring himself the winner and, without evidence, alleging possible manipulation of the outcome.
Over the weekend, the Zambian government announced a nighttime police raid on a residence that sparked gunfire and led to the arrest of several prominent opposition figures, who were accused of plotting an insurrection with foreign militia assistance. The government said Mundubile was present at the house but was not detained.
Family members of Bishop Trevor Mwamba of the Anglican Church voiced concern after not hearing from him for two days and were uncertain of his whereabouts.
Mundubile rejected the accusations, labeling them as political allegations.
He wrote on social media, “We do not support violence nor any attempt to overthrow the constitutional order of our country.”
Critics argue the arrests aim to intimidate opponents and constitute part of a broader repression pattern during Hichilema’s five‑year tenure, noting that his government has enacted laws civil society groups say curb dissent and restrict press freedom.
Observer missions from Africa and Europe reported that supporters of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) assaulted opposition rallies. They also expressed concern that, while opposition parties were barred from holding events under electoral calendar rules, President Hichilema and his vice president were permitted to rally supporters under the pretext of official state duties, with state media providing overwhelmingly favorable coverage.
A day after the polls closed, the electoral commission briefly suspended vote counting, citing attacks on election workers and theft of ballots. Election monitors and civil society groups warned that the delay could undermine public confidence in the election’s credibility.
Nevertheless, Hichilema and his supporters reject claims that freedoms have been curtailed during his tenure. Observer missions noted the election proceeded more smoothly than in 2021, with fewer reports of violence, and his government enacted legislation expanding access to official documents.
The president highlights economic progress since taking office, including restructuring the nation’s substantial debt, lowering inflation, and increasing social spending.
