Hakainde Hichilema Sworn in for Second Term as President

Hakainde Hichilema, aged 64, was sworn in for a second term as President of Zambia at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka after winning the presidential election held on 13 August with 60 percent of the vote. His opponent, Mundubile, who received 38 percent, rejected the results, alleging electoral manipulation.

He was unable to contest the outcome in court as the courts were sealed off on the final day for filing an electoral petition. Election observers noted that while voting was largely peaceful, there were concerns regarding the vote-tallying process, including failures to record results immediately and weak verification between digital and paper records.

Following the election, tensions rose as security forces raided a property linked to Mundubile, resulting in the death of a former cabinet minister and the arrest of several opposition politicians. Hichilema, in his inauguration speech, called for cooperation between the government and opposition and emphasized the need for political stability.

His running mate, Mutale Nalumango, was also sworn in as vice-president.