Zambia's president wins second term with 60% of the vote
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second term with 60% of the vote. Despite opposition claims of irregularities and tensions, the election proceeded following the country's established democratic processes.
Why it matters
The peaceful transition and democratic outcome in Zambia serve as a significant indicator of political stability in the Southern African region.
Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for second five-year term after securing 60% of the valid votes cast, the electoral commission has announced.
Hichilema's win was widely expected, with his closest challenger Brian Mundubile getting 38% of the votes. The remaining 12 candidates trailed far behind.
Under Zambia's electoral system, a candidate needs more than 50% of the vote to win in the first round, avoiding a runoff.
The result came after a contested process, with 55-year-old Mundubile earlier claiming victory and alleging, without providing evidence, that there had been voting irregularities.
In statement after being declared the winner, Hichilema,64, said: "We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands."
He said the election showed that Zambia was a nation of peace, law and order and a "democratic nation that settles our differences at the ballot box, and nowhere else".
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