Lusaka, 18 August (H.S.):

President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second five-year term, the country’s Electoral Commission announced on Tuesday morning. The commission said Hichilema secured more than 51 percent of the vote. Zambians went to the polls last Thursday to elect the country’s president.

According to reports citing the Electoral Commission, 64-year-old Hichilema secured 2,965,326 votes, while his closest rival, opposition leader Brian Mundubile of the National Restoration Party for Unity and Progress, received 1,856,217 votes. Electoral Commission Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said, “I therefore declare Hakainde Hichilema duly elected President of the Republic of Zambia on August 18, 2026.”

Following the announcement, Hichilema said he was overwhelmed by the confidence placed in him by the people of Zambia. In a Facebook post, he thanked citizens for entrusting him once again with the country’s highest office and giving him the opportunity to serve as their leader.

The election had drawn considerable international attention. Vote counting was suspended last Friday and resumed several hours later under tight security after the Electoral Commission reported attacks on some polling officials and the theft of ballot papers. The government also confirmed that several prominent opposition figures had been arrested on election night, with police accusing them of posing a threat to state security.

Even before Hichilema’s victory was officially announced, activity had begun to build up on the streets of Lusaka. Following the declaration of the results, people from across the city took to the streets to celebrate, braving the early-morning chill to express their joy.

Collins Maoma, chairman of Hichilema’s ruling United Party for National Development, welcomed the election results and urged the president to maintain his leadership style.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar