Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Zambia’s Contested Election Shadows Hichilema’s Second-Term Swearing-In Ceremony
Hakainde Hichilema began his second term as Zambia’s president after being sworn in.
His election victory was accepted, but observers said the voting process had serious problems.
They reported possible changes to vote totals and soldiers near voting and counting locations.
Some opposition politicians were arrested after the election.
Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu were charged with treason.
Authorities gave few details or evidence about the accusations.
Courts were also inaccessible when an election complaint could have been filed.
Investors still supported Zambia because they expected Hichilema to continue his economic policies, although some experts warned that the political problems could hurt democracy over time.
Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term on September 1.
Observers reported alleged vote-tally manipulation, military deployments and suspended vote counting.
Opposition figures Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu faced treason charges.
Authorities barred court access as the deadline for an election challenge approached.
Investors largely overlooked the turmoil, citing Hichilema’s economic and debt policies.
- Who
- Hakainde Hichilema, opposition figures including Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, election observers, and Zambian authorities.
- What
- Hichilema was sworn in for a second term after an election observers said was affected by serious irregularities; opposition figures were arrested and charged with treason.
- When
- The election took place on August 13, and Hichilema was sworn in on September 1.
- Where
- Zambia, including Lusaka and election counting centers.
- Why
- Hichilema’s inauguration followed his election victory, while authorities said opposition arrests were linked to suspected national security threats.
Observers and critics
Authorities and investors
Election integrity
Observers and critics
International and local observers reported indications that votes were added to Hichilema’s tally, while also finding that he would have won regardless.
Authorities and investors
The Electoral Commission of Zambia said courts should examine allegations of vote discrepancies, but authorities later said no complaint had been received.
Opposition arrests
Observers and critics
Critics questioned the arrests and said authorities had provided few details or evidence supporting the national-security claims.
Authorities and investors
Authorities said the detained opposition members were linked to suspected national-security threats and that some possessed weapons; a defense lawyer said the accused would contest the charges.
Long-term economic impact
Observers and critics
Analysts warned that the election turmoil could weaken Zambia’s democratic institutions and damage long-term investment conditions.
Authorities and investors
Investors largely maintained or increased their exposure, viewing Hichilema’s debt restructuring and economic recovery policies as reasons for continuity.
- President sworn in
- Hakainde Hichilema began a second term on September 1.
- Election date
- August 13.
- Reported irregularities
- Observers cited possible vote additions, suspended counting, military deployments and arrests of opposition members.
- Opposition charges
- Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu were charged with treason, alongside other opposition members.
- Court access
- Authorities barred access to courts as the deadline for filing an election complaint approached.
- Investor response
- Zambia’s eurobonds returned 0.8% in dollar terms after the election, compared with 0.3% for the Africa average.
- International reaction
- China and the United States congratulated Hichilema and sent representatives to his inauguration.