President Hakainde Hichilema Sworn in for Second Term Amid Controversy
On 13 August 2024, Hakainde Hichilema took the oath of office for a second five‑year term as Zambia’s president. The ceremony, held at the Lusaka Independence Stadium, drew thousands of supporters dressed in the red of his United Party for National Development (UPND). A small delegation of African heads of state attended, underscoring the regional interest in Zambia’s political trajectory.
Election Results and Voter Turnout
According to the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Hichilema secured 60 % of the valid votes, while his main challenger, Brian Mundubile of the New Republic Patriots United Party (NRPUP), received 38 %. The remaining 2 % was split among minor candidates. Official figures placed voter turnout at approximately 68 % of the registered electorate, a modest increase from the 2021 poll.
International election monitors, including the African Union and the Commonwealth Secretariat, noted isolated reports of intimidation, pro‑government media bias, and temporary restrictions on opposition rallies. These observations led several observers to describe the poll as “generally peaceful but marred by concerns over a level playing field.”[1]
Economic Record and Challenges
During his first term (2021‑2024), Hichilema pursued a market‑oriented agenda that included:
- Abolishing the death penalty.
- Making primary and secondary education tuition‑free.
- Implementing fiscal reforms aimed at reducing the budget deficit from 8.2 % of GDP in 2020 to 5.1 % in 2023 (Ministry of Finance, 2023).
- Attracting foreign direct investment, particularly in the copper mining sector, which continues to generate roughly 70 % of Zambia’s export earnings (World Bank, 2024).
Despite macro‑economic stabilization, the World Bank estimates that over 70 % of Zambia’s 22 million inhabitants live on less than US$3 per day, highlighting a persistent gap between growth figures and household living standards.[2] Rising food and fuel prices have fueled public discontent, prompting calls for broader social safety nets.
Opposition Leader’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Brian Mundubile, who ran as the NRPUP’s presidential candidate, went into hiding after security forces raided his residence on 14 August 2024, alleging they were dismantling a suspected militia. A former cabinet minister was killed during the operation, and 11 associates were detained.
Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, surrendered to police two weeks later. Their legal counsel confirmed that both have been charged with treason—a offense punishable by life imprisonment under Zambia’s Penal Code. The defendants deny the allegations, describing the charges as politically motivated.
The arrest has drawn criticism from regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and international human rights organisations, which argue that the move undermines political pluralism and contravenes Zambia’s commitments to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.[3]
Regional and International Reaction
Neighbouring governments have expressed cautious optimism about Zambia’s continued stability, noting its history of peaceful transfers of power since independence in 1964. However, several diplomats have urged the Hichilema administration to:
- Ensure transparent and impartial handling of the treason case.
- Re‑open space for peaceful political dissent and media freedom.
- Address socioeconomic pressures through targeted poverty‑alleviation programmes.
China, Zambia’s largest bilateral creditor and a major investor in copper mining, reiterated its commitment to existing infrastructure projects while calling for a “conducive environment for foreign investment.”
Outlook
President Hichilema’s second term begins amid a juxtaposition of economic achievements and political tensions. His administration’s ability to deliver inclusive growth, uphold judicial independence, and respond to opposition concerns will likely shape Zambia’s democratic reputation in the coming years. Analysts suggest that sustained dialogue with civil society, coupled with prudent fiscal management, could reinforce the country’s status as a relatively stable democracy in southern Africa.
[1] African Union Election Observation Mission, Statement on Zambia’s 2024 General Election, 15 August 2024.
[2] World Bank, Zambia Poverty and Equity Assessment, 2024.
[3] Amnesty International, Zambia: Opposition Leader’s Arrest Raises Rights Concerns, 30 August 2024.
