Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second five-year term after winning the country’s presidential election with about 60 per cent of the vote, according to results released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia on Tuesday.

Hichilema, 64, defeated his main challenger, former government minister Brian Mundubile of the NRPUP, who received about 38 per cent of the vote.

The election, held on Thursday, was largely peaceful but was overshadowed by opposition allegations of intimidation, restrictions on campaigning and irregularities in the electoral process.

Mundubile’s party alleged that its campaign was disrupted by the arrest of several opposition figures. It also claimed that results documents had been tampered with, although it did not provide evidence to support the allegation.

International observers raised concerns about an uneven playing field, including what they described as favourable coverage of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) by state-owned media.

The observers also criticised the suspension of vote counting for about six hours on Friday following reports of violence against polling staff and alleged theft of ballot papers.

Despite the controversy, Hichilema’s supporters took to the streets of Lusaka following the announcement, singing and dancing in celebration.

In a statement, Hichilema thanked Zambians for their support and pledged to work for citizens who voted for opposition parties.

“We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands,” he said.

Hichilema entered the election as the favourite after his first term was marked by efforts to restructure Zambia’s debt, strengthen relations with international lenders and attract investment, particularly into the country’s copper industry.

However, more than 70 per cent of Zambia’s population still lives on less than $3 a day, according to World Bank data, despite easing inflation and improvements in some economic indicators.

The official results are expected to be published by August 24. Hichilema is due to be sworn in seven days after the publication of the official results, provided they are not successfully challenged.

The result means Hichilema will continue to lead Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, where political power has changed hands through elections since the return to multiparty democracy in 1991.