Amanze Chinonye
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second five-year term after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) completed the counting of votes from the August 13 presidential election and declared him the winner, Prime Business Africa reports.
The final results announced by the commission on Tuesday showed Hichilema winning 61.4% of the valid vote, giving him a clear majority and eliminating the need for a runoff. His main challenger, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, secured about 38%.
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The declaration brought the presidential contest to a close after several days of vote counting, during which the process was temporarily disrupted by security incidents. The ECZ had suspended counting after reports of violence against election officials and the theft of ballot papers before subsequently allowing the tally to resume.
Hichilema’s re-election extends his presidency to a second term after he first took office in 2021, defeating then-President Edgar Lungu. The victory gives the 64-year-old another five years to implement his economic programme and consolidate policies introduced during his first term.
His administration has focused on restructuring Zambia’s debt, restoring economic stability and attracting investment, particularly into the country’s mining industry. Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, is seeking to substantially increase output as demand for the metal grows because of its importance to electric vehicles, renewable energy and other technologies.
The election was nevertheless contested against a backdrop of economic hardship. Although Zambia has made progress on debt restructuring and broader macroeconomic stability, high living costs and poverty remain major concerns for many households. Mundubile sought to capitalise on those frustrations during his campaign.
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The opposition also raised concerns about the conduct of the election and the counting process. Authorities separately arrested several opposition figures over allegations of threats to state security, while opposition leaders disputed the government’s account.
With the national tally now complete and Hichilema formally declared the winner, the focus shifts to his second-term agenda and the challenges facing his government.
The president will be under pressure to translate improvements in Zambia’s economic indicators into stronger household incomes, more jobs and broader living-standard gains. He will also have to manage political tensions following a closely watched election while pursuing greater investment in the country’s copper and other mineral resources.
Hichilema’s victory provides political continuity for Zambia, but his second term will be judged largely by whether the economic recovery achieved under his first administration delivers more tangible benefits for ordinary Zambians.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
