Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is leading the country’s presidential election vote count, putting the incumbent on course for a second term if he maintains his current majority.
According to figures released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Hichilema had secured 54.82% of the declared vote, equivalent to 1,056,812 votes, after results from 105 of the country’s 226 constituencies had been announced. His main challenger, Brian Mundubile, was in second place with 43%, or 830,841 votes.
Hichilema Holds Clear Advantage
The incumbent's current lead puts him above the 50% threshold required to win the presidency outright, meaning he would avoid a second-round runoff if the final results maintain the same pattern.
Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), is seeking a second term after winning the 2021 election.
The election is being closely watched because it represents a test of the president's economic record following Zambia's debt crisis and subsequent restructuring efforts.
Economic Record at Centre of Election
Hichilema's campaign has highlighted improvements in Zambia's economy, including efforts to restructure the country's debt and attract investment.
Zambia is also Africa's second-largest copper producer, making the election particularly important to international investors and governments interested in the country's critical mineral resources.
However, economic improvements have not eliminated public concerns over the cost of living, unemployment and poverty. Those issues have provided the opposition with important campaign arguments.
Mundubile Remains in Second Place
Mundubile, Hichilema's main challenger, has campaigned on promises to address the cost of living and improve living conditions.
With 43% of the declared vote at the latest count, he remains within striking distance if the remaining constituencies produce a significantly different pattern.
However, Hichilema's current advantage means the opposition would need a substantial shift in the remaining results to force a runoff.
Counting Faced Security Problems
The vote-counting process was temporarily suspended after the Electoral Commission reported violence against election officials and the theft of ballot papers.
Counting later resumed after authorities said the security threat had been contained. Police also denied reports that Mundubile had been arrested and detained.
International observers have expressed concern about reports of intimidation and violence surrounding the election, urging political parties to avoid inflammatory statements while the results are being compiled.
Final Results Expected Soon
Zambia's electoral authorities are expected to continue announcing constituency results before the final presidential result is declared.
The Electoral Commission's timetable scheduled the declaration of the election result for Monday, August 17.
For now, Hichilema remains firmly in the lead, but the result is not final until all the votes have been counted and officially declared.
If Hichilema maintains more than 50% of the vote, he will secure re-election without a runoff.