The 64-year-old leader of the ruling United Party for National Development has so far secured 1,544,140 votes, representing 58.87 percent of the votes counted. His closest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, has received 1,030,662 votes.
The results were announced at the National Election Results Centre in Lusaka by Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis. A presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of valid votes to be declared president-elect without a run-off.
Vote Counting Resumes After Disruption
The counting process resumed on Friday after a 24-hour suspension triggered by reports of violence against polling officials and the alleged theft of marked ballot papers. The ECZ halted the count on Friday, causing "uncertainty and anxiety" among observers, according to the regional SADC grouping.
Zaloumis lifted the suspension after confirming the security threat had been contained. The commission has not indicated whether the stolen ballots were retrieved. The suspension drew criticism from the European Parliament's observer delegation, which described the move as "disproportionate."
Mundubile had earlier claimed victory based on his party's parallel vote tabulation and expressed "grave concern" over delays in announcing results, warning they could create opportunities for interference. The ECZ has warned candidates against declaring themselves winners before official results are announced.
Hichilema's Economic Record Under Scrutiny
Hichilema, an economist and rancher, is seeking a second term after winning the presidency in 2021 on his sixth attempt. His administration has focused on economic recovery, including restructuring the country's excessive debt, reviving the mining sector, and enhancing social sector support through programmes such as free education in public schools.
Despite these achievements, critics argue that economic stability has not translated into improved living standards for ordinary Zambians. More than 70 percent of Zambia's 22 million population lives on less than $3 a day, according to the World Bank. Mundubile, 55, a lawyer and former minister in the Patriotic Front government, has campaigned on concerns over the cost of living and promised changes to the country's economic direction.
Election Overshadowed by Violence and Rights Concerns
The electoral process has been marked by violence and allegations of an uneven playing field. Transparency International Zambia recorded 152 violent incidents in 46 constituencies, 16 of which occurred during and after voting day. In one incident, a 57-year-old polling agent died after being attacked on voting day, with nine suspects arrested.
The European Union observer mission noted that restrictions on campaigning had "contributed to an uneven playing field." The Human Rights Commission said it was monitoring arrests and detentions involving political candidates, supporters and journalists.
What Comes Next
The ECZ is expected to announce final results by Monday. If Hichilema maintains his lead above the 50% threshold, he will be declared the winner without a run-off. A second round would be held within 37 days if no candidate secures the majority.
The election is seen as a test of Zambia's reputation as one of Africa's most stable democracies, having experienced peaceful transfers of power since the return to multiparty politics in 1991. For now, all eyes remain on the ECZ as it completes its verification and announces the final outcome.
With reporting from Anadolu Ajansı, Bernama, EWN, ZNBC, The Peninsula and AFP.
