Zambia's president wins second term with 60% of the vote

What the report says

Zambia’s electoral commission has declared President Hakainde Hichilema the winner of a second five-year term, with BBC Africa reporting that he secured 60% of valid votes in the presidential election. His main rival, Brian Mundubile, received 38%, while the other candidates trailed behind. Because Zambia requires more than 50% for an outright first-round win, the result avoids a runoff. The vote and count took place in Lusaka and followed a closely watched contest.

BBC Africa reported that Mundubile had earlier claimed victory and alleged voting irregularities, though he did not provide evidence. The election process was briefly disrupted when the commission paused counting after reports of violence against polling staff and ballot theft in some areas, then resumed later the same day. The government also accused Mundubile of plotting an insurrection, an allegation he denied.

In his acceptance remarks, Hichilema said he was humbled by the trust placed in him and pledged to work for all Zambians, including those who supported other candidates. Supporters of his United Party for National Development celebrated in the capital after the announcement. Regional and international observers described polling day as largely peaceful, while also noting concerns about late electoral reforms, media access and the temporary counting suspension, which they said could affect confidence in the process.