Hichilema Wins Second Term as Zambia’s President

Incumbent secures more than 60 percent of the vote after a closely watched election

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA — Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has won a second five-year term after securing a clear victory in the country’s presidential election.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia announced that Hichilema received about 61.4 percent of the vote, giving him a comfortable lead over his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, who received about 38 percent.

Hichilema’s victory gives him another five years to pursue his economic plans for the southern African country.

His first term was marked by efforts to restructure Zambia’s huge debt and improve the country’s economic position.

But the election also showed that many Zambians remain worried about the cost of living.

Despite improvements in some economic indicators, the benefits have not been felt equally by everyone. That became one of the strongest issues during the campaign.

The election itself was not without controversy.

Authorities temporarily stopped the counting of votes after incidents involving election officials and reports of missing ballot papers. Several opposition figures were also arrested during the election period.

The opposition raised concerns about the process, while government officials defended the actions of security agencies.

International observers and civil society groups have also raised concerns about the political environment and restrictions affecting the opposition.

Following his victory, Hichilema has promised to govern for all Zambians, including those who did not vote for him.

His second term will now be judged largely by whether his government can turn economic recovery into improvements in jobs, household incomes and the cost of living.

For Zambia’s president, winning the election may have been the easier part.

The bigger challenge begins now.