Kathmandu— Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected as president of Zambia, defeating challenger Brian Mundubile by over one million votes, though the victory is shadowed by concerns from opposition groups regarding the election’s conduct and the nation's political future. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) declared Hichilema the winner on Tuesday after he received 2,965,326 votes to Mundubile’s 1,856,217, granting him another five-year term following his initial election in 2021. This result marks a continuation of leadership focused on economic recovery and restoring investor confidence in Africa's second-largest copper producer, but also introduces new challenges related to accountability, national unity, and equitable distribution of wealth. The election process itself was briefly disrupted by security concerns including attacks on officials and theft of ballots before resuming.

A Dramatic Political Turnaround

Hichilema’s re-election represents a significant shift for the politician who spent years in opposition before defeating Edgar Lungu in 2021. His United Party for National Development (UPND) campaigned on promises of economic reform, improved governance, and job creation. Mundubile's alliance, however, centered its campaign around frustrations with the high cost of living, arguing that improvements under Hichilema’s government had not yet reached many Zambian households. During the campaign, Mundubile alleged an uneven playing field for opposition parties, citing restrictions and concerns over treatment of political competitors.

Economic Stabilisation and Future Growth

Hichilema inherited an economy burdened by heavy debt and took office months after Zambia defaulted on its external obligations. Supporters credit his administration with progress in debt restructuring, improved relations with international lenders, and renewed investor interest in the mining sector. Professor Lubinda Haabazoka, director of the Graduate School of Business at the University of Zambia, noted that “In the past five years, President Hichilema managed to start working on the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals and made substantial progress in terms of debt restructuring.” He added that foreign reserves have increased, economic growth has recovered, and investment into the mining sector has returned. However, critics contend these gains haven't sufficiently alleviated financial pressures for ordinary citizens.

Bridging the Gap Between Recovery and Reality

For many Zambians, economic recovery remains an unrealized promise. The opposition highlighted the cost of living as a key issue, claiming that positive economic indicators hadn’t translated into tangible relief for families. Elvis Mwape, a taxi driver in Lusaka, welcomed Hichilema’s victory but expressed hope for broader benefits from growth: “We thank God Hakainde Hichilema managed to win and secure his second term. We are looking forward to a win-win situation where, as the economy grows, we are also able to feed our families.” This sentiment underscores the challenge facing the president – balancing investor confidence with the everyday needs of citizens.

Calls for Unity and Accountability

Vincent Mwale, an independent member of parliament for Chipangali West, stated that the election result sends a clear message to the government. “The UPND has maintained power, and we have done it peacefully. Now, I think they need to get down to work,” he said. “This election should have given them a message of where the issues were.” Mwale emphasized the need for national unity, noting that the voting patterns suggest existing divisions within the country, but expressed confidence in Hichilema’s ability to address these challenges and bring people together.

Hichilema begins his second term with both the authority of a decisive victory and increased pressure to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Zambians. The government will be tasked with creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities, addressing energy challenges, and ensuring that Zambia’s mineral wealth benefits all citizens.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.