Zambia Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in today as president of the nation for his second five-year term after winning a controversial election held on August 13 amid treason accusations against his major opponent, Brian Mundubile.
The re-elected president secured nearly 60% of the total votes cast, according to the electoral body, while Mundubile secured a meager 38%. The candidate from the opposition denied the election results, saying the process was rigged.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Tuesday, September 1. The ceremony was attended by thousands of Hichilema’s supporters as well as several African presidents, including those of Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tanzania.
Nonetheless, while Hakainde commences his second term with a new mandate, the controversies of the election and oppression of the opposition can continue defining the politics of the nation.
Why the Election in Zambia is in Dispute
While the election on August 13 was largely peaceful in terms of polling itself, the international observers had some concerns over the vote tallying process.
According to EU monitors, voting results announced in certain tallying centers were not recorded immediately in tally sheets by relevant officials; besides, there was some inefficiency in checking digital voting results against paper copies.
In certain cases, returning officers would put elections on hold awaiting orders from the electoral headquarters.
These observations do not confirm any fraud in the results; however, these have provided fuel to the opposition arguments for closer investigation of the voting process.
The runner-up in the elections, Mundubile, had announced his intention to contest the election result in court.
Why the Opposition Leader Cannot Contest the Results of the Vote
This case became even more grave when Mundubile, together with his running mate, Makebi Zulu, was arrested and charged with treason.
The challenge posed by Mundubile to try and challenge the outcome of the presidential election through the courts was further compounded by activities in the courts as well. It has been reported that the judiciary was sealed off on the last day of the period of seven days allowed for a presidential election challenge.
The scenario has brought into question whether the opposition has actually been given the chance to dispute the results through the judicial process.
Treason Accusation against Mundubile: What Is the Case?
It is alleged that the Zambian government believes that Mundubile, along with other associates of his, had planned an action against the country.
However, not much information has been made available with regard to the nature of the treason charges against him, while Mundubile, along with his colleagues, has strongly denied that there was ever any planning on their part to instigate an armed revolt.
Economic Achievements of Hichilema
The president starts his second tenure with a record in terms of the economy, which contributes much to his popularity.
In 2021, when Hichilema assumed his position, Zambia was already experiencing difficulties repaying its debts, and the inflation rate exceeded 24%.
His government succeeded in reorganizing the country’s debts and improving relations with international investors.
While the inflation rate has dropped significantly since Hichilema started his work, the problem still exists and imposes pressure on households.
There is no doubt that high cost of living remains a relevant issue for many people in the country despite certain achievements of the country in terms of the economy.
What Hichilema Plans to Accomplish during His Second Term
According to Hichilema himself, the president wants to build on his achievements of the first five years.
It means that the second term of Hichilema will be characterized by the expectation of translating macroeconomic achievements into advantages for the population.
Expectations regarding employment, cost of living, debt management and growth remain.
Significance of the Opponents’ Crackdown
The political atmosphere in which Hichilema took office is quite different from that after he won the election in 2021.
Hichilema’s first term as president was seen as an important political transformation after a period of economic problems. In his second term, he will serve for another five years, but this time, the dispute over the counting, the arrest of Mundubile, and the accusations of treason make for a more politically charged atmosphere.
The problem facing Hichilema now is to convince the skeptics that he can run a second term along with more democratic institutions and room for political opposition.
What’s Really Happening in Zambia’s Election Storm?
Why Is Mundubile Facing Treason Charges?
Check out the allegations against opposition leader Brian Mundubile and what they mean for Zambia’s elections.
Will Hichilema’s Election Victory Stand?
Find the latest developments surrounding Hichilema’s September 1 swearing-in and the petition challenging his victory.
How Will Hichilema’s Win Impact Zambia?
Uncover what the election result could mean for jobs, copper prices, and Zambia’s wider economy.
Why Were Zambia’s Courts Suddenly Closed?
Dive into the reasons behind the court closures as the opposition seeks to challenge Hichilema’s victory.
Why Is UN Alarmed Over Arrests?
Reveal what the UN says about opposition arrests and the growing tensions following Zambia’s disputed election.
