Adedayo Isaac Adeoti
Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, has began his second five-year term in office as political tensions remain high following a disputed presidential election and the detention of his main challenger, Brian Mundubile.
Hichilema was declared the winner of Zambia’s August 13 presidential election after securing more than 60 per cent of the vote. Mundubile, who finished second with about 38 per cent, rejected the result and alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
The dispute has been followed by a series of developments involving opposition figures. Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were detained after being questioned by the police over alleged treason.
Their lawyer later confirmed that both men had been formally charged and remained in custody at Lusaka Central Police Station.
Mundubile had previously gone into hiding after security forces raided a property associated with him in Lusaka following the election.
Authorities said the operation was linked to national security concerns and alleged that members of the opposition were involved in plans for an armed uprising. Mundubile and his allies have denied the allegations.
Election observers stated that while the election itself was largely peaceful on polling day, concerns had been raised about aspects of the vote-counting and verification process.
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European Union observers also said staff in many tallying centres did not record results on tally sheets immediately after they were announced and cited weaknesses in the verification of digital and paper records.
The controversy has added to concerns surrounding Zambia’s political environment despite the country’s reputation for relatively peaceful transfers of power.
Hichilema, 64, came to power in 2021 after defeating former President Edgar Lungu. While speaking with the BBC before the election in Lusaka, he said, “We inherited a broken-down country, completely broken down. We were in debt distress, defaulted on our obligations to pay our debt. The economy was declining, Jonah.
How do we know? Minus 2.8 per cent GDP growth. That is how we know. We said we will restructure the debt, Jonah. And we’ve delivered on that. A clear saving of $1.9 billion per year.”
During his first term, his administration pursued debt restructuring and sought to restore relations with international creditors. The government has also highlighted economic growth and reforms as key achievements of the first five years.
However, economic pressures remain a major issue for ordinary Zambians, particularly as the cost of living continues to affect households.
The president has pledged to build on the economic measures introduced during his first term as he begins his second mandate.
The inauguration is expected to attract several African leaders to Lusaka, while Hichilema will continue working alongside Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, who is also expected to take the oath of office.
The developments surrounding Mundubile’s detention are likely to remain a major focus as Hichilema begins his second term amid continuing debate over the credibility of the election and the treatment of opposition figures.
