Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema re-elected for second 5-year term

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second five-year term. The Electoral Commission of Zambia has announced the result. President Hichilema secured more than 51 per cent of the votes, winning the presidential election outright and avoiding a run-off.

According to the Electoral Commission, Hichilema polled 29 lakh 65 thousand 326 votes, while his closest rival, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, secured 18 lakh 56 thousand 217 votes.

The election had been closely watched after vote counting was suspended last Friday and resumed several hours later amid heightened security. The Electoral Commission had reported attacks on some polling station officials and the theft of ballot papers. Several senior opposition figures were also arrested on election night, with police alleging that they posed a threat to state security.

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile said his residence was raided by police and alleged that there had been an attempt on his life.