Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema will be sworn in for a second five‑year term on Tuesday at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, following a pivotal election that many critics say was marred by fraud.
The former businessman who took office in 2021 ran a campaign that argued Zambia’s economy was in bad shape, citing a high debt default and an annual inflation rate of over 24%. He negotiated a debt restructuring that helped lower inflation, though everyday prices in the country remain a challenge.
In the August election, Hichilema won 60% of the vote while his main rival, Brian Mundubile, received 38%. Mundubile says the results were manipulated, but he has been unable to contest the outcome because the courts were sealed on the last day the case could be filed.
After the polls, security forces raided a property in Lusaka linked to the opposition, killing a former cabinet minister and arresting several opposition politicians. Authorities accuse the opposition of planning an armed insurrection; the opposition denies this.
Hichilema’s running mate, Mutale Nalumango, will be sworn in alongside him. The ceremony is expected to be attended by leaders from Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tanzania.
Key takeaways:
- Hichilema’s second term is set to begin Tuesday.
- Mundubile’s detention blocked any legal challenge.
- Observers flagged vote tallying issues.
- Security raid raised fears of unrest.
