LUSAKA, Zambia – President Hakainde Hichilema has extended his lead in Zambia’s presidential election as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) continues...
LUSAKA, Zambia – President Hakainde Hichilema has extended his lead in Zambia’s presidential election as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) continues announcing results, with figures from 135 of the country’s 226 constituencies now reported.
Hichilema had secured 1,544,140 votes, according to the latest figures reported from the 135 constituencies, while his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, had received 1,030,662 votes. The latest count gives Hichilema a lead of more than 500,000 votes over Mundubile as the counting process continues.
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The updated figures follow an earlier count covering 105 constituencies, in which Hichilema had 1,056,812 votes, representing 54.82 percent of the votes announced at that stage. Mundubile had 830,841 votes, or about 43 percent.
The presidential election was held on Thursday alongside parliamentary and local elections. Hichilema, who is seeking a second term, needs to maintain more than 50 percent of the vote to secure re-election without a second-round runoff.
The election is being closely watched as a test of Hichilema’s record since he took office in 2021. His administration has pointed to economic reforms, debt restructuring and increased investment, while the opposition has focused on the cost of living and concerns about governance and democratic freedoms.
Zambia’s economy has undergone significant changes during Hichilema’s first term, particularly following the country’s debt crisis. His government has pursued debt restructuring and sought to attract investment into the mining sector, with copper remaining a major part of Zambia’s economy.
However, the election has not been without disruption. Vote counting was temporarily suspended after incidents involving violence against election officials and the theft of ballot papers. The Electoral Commission later said the security situation had been addressed and counting resumed.
The security incidents have added tension to an election that has already featured competing claims from the political camps. Opposition figures have raised concerns about the conduct of the process, while Hichilema has called for calm and urged citizens to wait for official results.
The ECZ has also warned candidates against declaring themselves winners before the official results are announced. The commission’s position comes as the counting process continues across the remaining constituencies.
Mundubile remains Hichilema’s main challenger in the presidential race. The latest figures show him in second place, although the final outcome will depend on results from the constituencies that have not yet been announced.
The election has attracted attention because of the economic challenges facing ordinary Zambians despite improvements in some key economic indicators. Reports ahead of the vote noted continuing concerns over unemployment, inflation and the cost of living, with opposition candidates campaigning on promises to address those issues.
Hichilema has also campaigned on his government’s economic record, including efforts to stabilise the economy and attract investment. The mining sector has been particularly important, with Zambia seeking to increase copper production and benefit from international demand for the metal.
The political contest has also been shaped by the opposition’s criticism of Hichilema’s administration. Opposition figures have accused the government of restricting dissent and political freedoms, allegations that the government has denied.
About eight million registered voters were eligible to participate in the election, which included voting for the president, parliament and local government representatives. The presidential result will determine whether Hichilema remains in office for another term or whether Zambia moves towards a new administration.
For now, the official count places Hichilema in a strong position. Results from 135 of 226 constituencies have been reported, leaving 91 constituencies still to be accounted for in the figures currently available.
The latest results do not yet represent a final declaration of the presidential winner. The Electoral Commission of Zambia remains responsible for announcing the official results as counting and verification continue.
Hichilema’s lead means he is currently on course to secure a second term without a runoff if the remaining results allow him to maintain an overall majority. Mundubile, meanwhile, remains in contention as the opposition waits for more constituencies to be announced.
The final result will determine whether Hichilema’s economic programme receives another mandate and whether his government can continue its approach to debt, investment and the copper industry. It will also determine the political direction of Zambia for the next term.
For now, the focus remains on the Electoral Commission of Zambia as it continues the counting and verification process. With 135 of 226 constituencies reported, Zambia is still waiting for the final presidential result.
