President Hakainde Hichilema has begun a second and final term in Zambia, promising that ordinary people will feel the benefits of an economic recovery. His inauguration in Lusaka came as election observers questioned the conduct and counting of the August 13 vote and opposition figures faced treason charges.
Official results gave Hichilema about 60 percent of the vote, compared with about 38 percent for opposition challenger Brian Mundubile. Mundubile rejected the result and alleged irregularities.
Observers raised concerns over the vote count
The EU mission said transparency in the tabulation process deteriorated significantly after counting was temporarily suspended. Observers reported extended breaks at several counting centres and cases in which returning officers appeared to wait for instructions before announcing results. They also said a heavy military presence had an intimidating effect.
The observations did not find that Hichilema had lost the election. Mundubile pursued a legal challenge, but Zambia’s High Courts were closed and access to the premises restricted on August 24 as the deadline for filing a presidential election petition approached. Human Rights Watch said the closure prevented access for people seeking to challenge the result, while authorities cited security concerns. For additional context, see “Brian Mundubile held as Zambia election dispute deepens”.
What we know now
- The European Union Election Observation Mission described the election as competitive but said it was held on an uneven playing field.
- The Electoral Commission of Zambia temporarily suspended result tabulation on August 14 after violence at some counting centres and allegations involving election materials.
- Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were arrested and charged with treason; both remain in custody.
- Former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was fatally shot during a security operation in Lusaka on August 14.
Opposition arrests deepen the political dispute
Mundubile and Zulu were taken into custody and charged with treason after seeking refuge at a United Nations facility in Lusaka before surrendering to police. Authorities have not publicly disclosed detailed evidence underpinning the allegations, and Mundubile has rejected them.
The confrontation had already turned deadly. Security forces raided a property linked to Mundubile in Lusaka on August 14. Authorities said weapons were recovered and that officers acted in self-defence; Mundubile disputed the account and said those at the property were not an armed militia. Eleven other people were arrested during the operation.
Economic recovery has not eased household pressure
Hichilema’s government has overseen a major restructuring of Zambia’s debt and worked with the International Monetary Fund on economic reforms after the country defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020. The measures have helped restore investor confidence and encouraged new investment, particularly in mining. A related part of this story is covered in “Hakainde Hichilema re-elected for a second term in Zambia”.
Zambia is one of Africa’s leading copper producers, making it important to countries seeking copper and other critical minerals. But high food and energy costs remain a source of frustration, and the removal of fuel subsidies has increased pressure on household budgets. Hichilema acknowledged at his inauguration that the benefits of economic stabilisation had not yet reached every level.
Investors see continuity while critics focus on rights
Zambia’s bonds have remained resilient after the election as investors focus on debt restructuring and economic continuity. China and the United States congratulated Hichilema on his re-election and sent representatives to the inauguration, highlighting Zambia’s importance as a copper producer and potential source of critical minerals. The development of this issue can be followed in “Zambians weigh Hichilema’s reforms in August 13 election”.
Mundubile’s lawyer, Milner Katolo, said a negotiated settlement could help heal the nation and called for the African Union and the Southern African Development Community to encourage dialogue. Whether such a settlement is possible remains unclear.
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