Zambia: President Hichilema Re-Elected Amid Tensions - Bishops Call for Transparency and Respect for the Rule of Law

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second five-year term, securing 60% of the vote. The Electoral Commission of Zambia reported that Hichilema and his party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), garnered 2,965,326 votes, or 60.49% of the total valid votes cast across all 226 constituencies.

His main opponent, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, received 1,856,217 votes, or 37.87%. Hichilema's victory was by a margin of over one million votes, ensuring his continued leadership until 2031. Out of the 8,786,300 registered voters, 4,902,050 cast valid ballots, with 126,566 rejected.

Voter turnout was recorded at 57.23%. In response to the declaration, Hichilema expressed gratitude to Zambians for their trust, affirming that the election demonstrated the nation's dedication to democracy and peaceful political transitions. However, Mundubile has contested the results, raising concerns about discrepancies between polling station figures and those announced by the electoral commission, as well as allegations of military involvement in certain collation centers and interference from Tanzania. The Tanzanian government has dismissed these claims.