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Hakainde Hichilema wins re-election as President of Zambia after a contested election marked by reports of violence and fraud.

Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner of Zambia's presidential election on Tuesday, securing approximately 60% of the valid votes. His main challenger, Brian Mundubile, received roughly 38% of the vote. The victory follows a period of heightened tension, including a law enforcement raid on election night that resulted in an exchange of gunfire and the arrest of 11 opposition officials. The administration announced that the raid targeted militia activity and high-grade military weapons, though Brian Mundubile rejected these claims as a fabrication. During the process, the electoral commission briefly suspended vote counting due to reports of violence against polling staff and the theft of ballot papers. International observers, including the European Union, noted that while the election was largely peaceful, the broader process was affected by late legal changes and unequal campaign conditions. Hakainde Hichilema expressed gratitude for the trust of the voters and pledged to continue working for all citizens, including those who supported his opponents. The election marks another peaceful transfer of power in Zambia's long history of multiparty democracy.

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