Zambia President Wins Second Term, Promises Millions of Jobs
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has secured another five-year term after winning 60 per cent of the vote, according to the country’s electoral commission.
Hichilema, 64, defeated his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, who received 38 per cent of the vote, while 12 other candidates recorded much lower figures.
The victory gives Hichilema another five years to pursue his economic agenda, with job creation, investment and economic growth expected to remain major priorities.
During his campaign, Hichilema promised to create millions of jobs, particularly for young Zambians, while attracting investment and expanding key areas of the economy.
Copper mining remains central to his plans. Zambia is one of Africa’s major copper producers, and the president has pledged to increase production and attract more investment into the sector.
His administration has also highlighted manufacturing, electricity generation and technical and vocational education as areas that could provide more opportunities for young people.
Hichilema’s re-election follows a first term focused on economic reforms, debt restructuring and efforts to attract foreign investment.
However, his second term comes with pressure to ensure that economic policies translate into better living conditions. Rising living costs, unemployment and poverty remain major concerns for many Zambians.
Speaking after the results were announced, Hichilema thanked voters for renewing their confidence in his administration.
“We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands,” he said.
He also appealed to those who voted for his opponents, saying his government would continue to work for all citizens.
“To those citizens who preferred the ideas presented by our opponents, we hear you, and we will continue to work for you,” he added.
Celebrations broke out in Lusaka after the announcement, with supporters of Hichilema’s United Party for National Development taking to the streets in the party’s red colours.
Mundubile, however, disputed the result and alleged irregularities in the voting process.
He claimed there were discrepancies between results recorded at polling stations and figures announced during the official tally, although he did not provide evidence to support the claims.
The opposition candidate also criticised a police raid on his Lusaka home shortly before the final results were announced.
Authorities had accused some opposition figures of plotting an insurrection, allegations Mundubile rejected as fabricated.
The electoral commission briefly suspended the counting and announcement of results following reports of violence against polling officials and the theft of marked ballot papers in some areas. The process later resumed.
Regional and international observers described election day as largely peaceful but raised concerns about restrictions on opposition parties, media freedom and late electoral reforms.
The European Union’s observer mission said restrictions imposed on opposition groups during the campaign may have contributed to an “uneven contest”.
The Southern African Development Community observer mission also reported allegations of intimidation, assault, abduction and property damage in several provinces, although it said it could not independently verify the claims.
It remains unclear whether the opposition will formally challenge the election result.
Hichilema now begins another five-year term with expectations high. His ability to deliver the promised millions of jobs, attract investment and improve living standards will likely determine how Zambians judge his second tenure.
