Zambia president inaugurated for second term after disputed vote and opposition arrests
Hichilema begins a second term with the main opposition leader detained on treason charges after a vote the Electoral Commission said he won 60.49% to 37.87%.
- On Tuesday, President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term at Lusaka's National Heroes Stadium, while main opposition leader Brian Mundubile remained imprisoned on treason charges.
- Hichilema secured 60 percent of the vote in the August 13 election, though international observers cited irregularities in vote tallying, while Mundubile, who received 38 percent, alleged tampering.
- Following the election, Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were detained by authorities over the weekend, accused of national security threats and possession of weapons, though both deny the allegations.
- Kenya President William Ruto and other African leaders attended the ceremony, yet critics warned that Zambia's democratic reputation faces peril after authorities sealed courts to prevent election challenges.
- Pledging to shift "from stabilisation to growth," Hichilema aims to build on economic stabilization efforts, though around 70 percent of Zambians still live on less than three dollars daily.
57 Articles
57 Articles
Zambia bonds shrug off election turmoil as Hichilema starts second term with rival facing treason charge
The election delivered policy continuity but left a trail of disputed results, a contested attempt to challenge the outcome in court, and treason charges against Hichilema's main rival.
Zambia's President Hichilema sworn in for second term as detained rival faces treason charges
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in on Tuesday for a second five-year term after winning the 13 August election with 60% of the vote, according to official results. His main opponent, Brian Mundubile, who secured 38%, remains...
Zambia's President Hichilema has been sworn in for a second term of five years.
Why Do African Leaders Who Campaign As Reformers Lock Up Their Rivals Once They Taste Power?
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema just took the oath of office for a second term while his main political opponent remained locked behind bars. How many times must the continent watch democracy champions morph into authoritarian rulers the exact moment they secure the keys to state power?
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