Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second term in office as the head of the South African State.
Hichilema, an openly practising member of the Seventh Adventist faith, got 61.4 % of valid votes cast.
Hichilema nicknamed “Bally” has been serving as an elder in the SDA Church and is also a Master Guide.
His closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, got 38 per cent of the valid votes cast.
Hichilema’s political journey has been anything but easy losing 5 times before being elected on the 6th attempt.
“I therefore declare Hichilema Hakainde S to be president-elect of the Republic of Zambia this 18th day of August 2026,” said the chairperson of the electoral commision Mwangala Zaloumis
Hichilema thanked the citizens of Zambia for entrusting him with a second mandate in power.
“I am truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands.” He said.
He has further extended an olive branch to his opponents who have accused him of using state machinery to crackdown on them and unduly influence the polls.
“We hear you, and we will continue to work for you.” He said to supporters of the opposition.
The election was, however, marred with chaos and claims of electoral interferance.
The electoral commission was temporarily forced to halt vote counting nationwide after what it termed as attacks on electoral officials.
