Hichilema wins second term as Zambia’s President

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has won a second term in office after securing about 60% of the votes cast in last Thursday’s presidential election.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia announced the results on Tuesday, confirming Hichilema’s victory over his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, who received nearly 38% of the vote.

The 64-year-old Hichilema, who first came to power in 2021, was seeking another five-year term in an election contested by 13 presidential candidates.

In his victory message, Hichilema thanked voters for their confidence and extended an olive branch to those who supported the opposition.

“We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands,” he said.

He also assured citizens who supported his opponents that they would continue to receive the attention and services of his administration.

“To those citizens who preferred the ideas presented by our opponents, we hear you, and we will continue to work for you,” he said.

His supporters later took to the streets of the capital, Lusaka, dressed in the red colours of his United Party for National Development (UPND), singing, dancing and celebrating his victory.

Following the announcement of the results, Burundi President and African Union Chairperson Évariste Ndayishimiye congratulated Hichilema on his re-election.

Ndayishimiye extended his congratulations on behalf of the people and government of Burundi, as well as the wider African Union family.

He wished Hichilema continued success as he leads Zambia, particularly in promoting peace, unity and prosperity for the benefit of the country and the African continent.

Hichilema's re-election gives him another five years to pursue his government's priorities and address the economic and social challenges facing Zambia.