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Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema is declared the winner of a troubled election
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner of the recent presidential election with around 60% of the vote, defeating opposition leader Brian Mundubile who received about 38%.
- The election process was marred by violence, including attacks on polling officials, theft of ballot boxes, and a suspension of vote counting, leading to the deployment of the army in parts of Lusaka.
- Eleven opposition officials were detained during a law enforcement raid involving gunfire; the government accused them of possessing military-grade weapons and plotting armed insurrection, allegations denied by Mundubile.
- The European Union observer mission described the election as largely peaceful but noted that legal uncertainties and unequal campaign conditions limited fundamental freedoms.
- Hichilema, seeking a second term, emphasized economic recovery and development, including plans to significantly increase copper production, while acknowledging the need to address public frustrations over cost of living and electricity shortages.
