Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema won re-election on August 13 with about 60% of the vote, defeating opposition leader Brian Mundubile. The election was marred by controversy, with vote counting suspended after attacks on officials and theft of ballot papers, and the military deployment drawing criticism. Mundubile was briefly detained for prematurely declaring victory, while international observers noted limited freedoms and unequal campaign conditions. Despite economic progress in debt restructuring, persistent poverty and inflation remain challenges for Hichilema's new term.
- Hichilema won re-election with about 60% of the vote, defeating opposition leader Mundubile
- Vote counting was suspended after attacks on officials and theft of ballot papers, with military deployment drawing criticism
- Mundubile was briefly detained for prematurely declaring victory
- International observers noted limited freedoms and unequal campaign conditions during the election