Zambia's Hichilema wins second presidential term
Hakainde Hichilema won over 60% of the vote in the first round of Zambia's presidential election. which also saw authorities launch raids against leading opposition figures on election night.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second 5-year term in the country's recent presidential election, according to the Election Commission of Zambia. Hichilema garnered 61.4% of the 5 million votes cast, while his main rival, Brian Mundubile, received 38%. Hichilema declared himself president-elect of the Republic of Zambia on August 18, 2026, following the tally released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
The opposition parties accused the government of false claims regarding the counting process and alleged irregularities in the election. The vote count was suspended last Friday due to attacks against polling officials and the theft of some ballots, but resumed hours later under heightened security. Hichilema, a former provincial minister, has been in power since 2021 and faced his seventh presidential run.
He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and acknowledged those who supported his opponents, vowing to continue working for them.
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