Hakainde Hichilema returns as Zambia’s president following disputed vote

What the report says

Hakainde Hichilema has been sworn in for a second term as Zambia’s president after winning a disputed election, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on Reuters and Associated Press material. The inauguration took place on Tuesday at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, with international leaders and dignitaries in attendance, including officials from the United States and China, as well as the presidents of Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

The report says the ceremony unfolded against a tense political backdrop. Hichilema’s main challenger, Brian Mundubile, was in detention on treason charges when the swearing-in took place, and several opposition figures had been arrested after questioning the result. Al Jazeera reported that police also raided Mundubile’s home the day after the August 13 vote, during an incident in which a former cabinet member was shot and killed. Both Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, deny wrongdoing. The report also says Zambia’s courts were abruptly closed last week, limiting the opposition’s ability to mount legal challenges.

Hichilema was reported to have won about 60% of the vote, while Mundubile received about 38% and alleged the election was rigged. In his inauguration remarks, Hichilema pledged to govern equally and continue economic reforms. During his first term, he oversaw debt restructuring, sought foreign investment and helped reduce inflation. His vice-president, Mutale Nalumango, was also sworn in.