Hichilema holds commanding lead as Zambia awaits final election results

Lusaka, Zambia — Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema holds a commanding lead in the country’s presidential election as the nation awaits the completion of a vote count marked by violence and opposition allegations of irregularities.

Hichilema has secured 2.43 million votes, nearly 61% of valid ballots counted, according to the latest provisional figures available. His main challenger, Brian Mundubile, has received 1.46 million votes, or nearly 37%.

The results cover 192 of Zambia’s 226 constituencies, leaving 34 still to be declared. Hichilema leads Mundubile by approximately 970,000 votes, but the Electoral Commission of Zambia has not announced a final result or formally declared a winner.

A presidential candidate must receive more than 50% of valid votes to win outright and avoid a runoff. If Hichilema’s share remains above that threshold when counting is completed, he will secure a second five-year term.

The count was temporarily suspended Friday after election officials were attacked and marked ballot papers were stolen at some polling stations, according to the commission. Counting resumed hours later after authorities said the security threat had been contained.

Police said one person was killed at a polling station and nine suspects were arrested. Soldiers and riot police were deployed near parts of the capital, Lusaka, including the main results center.

Mundubile has questioned the credibility of the process and alleged that the interruption could create an opportunity for interference. He has not publicly presented evidence supporting claims that the results were being manipulated.

The August 13 election was widely viewed as a referendum on Hichilema’s economic record. His administration has restructured more than $12 billion in external debt and attracted new investment, but many voters continue to face pressure from the high cost of living.

About 8 million Zambians were registered to vote at more than 13,500 polling stations. The country has generally experienced peaceful transfers of power since returning to multiparty democracy in 1991.