Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to be sworn in for a second five-year term on Tuesday, following a disputed election and the arrest of his main opponent on treason charges. Hichilema, who is credited with stabilizing the economy, won the election held on August 13 with 60% of the vote, according to official results. His runner-up, Brian Mundubile, received 38% and alleged that the election outcome was manipulated. However, he was unable to challenge the results legally due to the courts being sealed off on the final day for filing a case.
Election observers noted that while polling day was largely peaceful, there were concerns regarding the vote tallying process. European Union observers reported that staff in many tallying centers did not record results on tally sheets immediately after they were announced and highlighted weak verification between digital entries and paper records. They also noted that returning officers often paused proceedings while waiting for instructions from headquarters.
Following the election, security forces conducted a raid in Lusaka linked to Mundubile, resulting in the death of a former cabinet minister and the arrest of several opposition politicians. Authorities accused the opposition of planning an armed insurrection, which they denied. Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, had gone into hiding but were detained by police last week and charged over the weekend.
When Hichilema took office in 2021 after a significant victory, Zambia was facing a default on its international debt and an annual inflation rate exceeding 24%. Hichilema stated, "We inherited a broken-down country… the economy was declining," in an interview with the BBC in Lusaka before the election. He successfully negotiated a restructuring of the debt and improved relations with foreign creditors. Although inflation has decreased, prices continue to rise, and many citizens are still struggling with the cost of living.
Hichilema aims to build on the foundations he established during his first term. Several African leaders, including presidents from Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tanzania, are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. Hichilema will be sworn in alongside his running mate, Mutale Nalumango.