EU observers flag major irregularities in Zambia election; opposition to challenge result

Published Aug 20, 02:10 PM UTC

The EU's election observation mission in Zambia has reported major irregularities in the country's presidential polls, including an armed attack on a totalling centre in Lusaka and disruptions by alleged UPND cadres. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner with about 60% of the vote, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile plans to challenge the results in court. The election is significant for the EU because Zambia hosts the flagship Lobito Corridor project under the EU's Global Gateway scheme, a €2bn+ initiative to secure access to critical minerals like copper. Separately, a Global Witness report alleges that Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals made generous contributions to Hichilema's campaigns, which the company denies.