Zambia's Hichilema Set for Second Term After Disputed Election

According to the BBC, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema is due to be sworn in for a second five-year term on Tuesday after a disputed election and the arrest of his main opponent on treason charges. Official results showed Hichilema won 60% of the vote on 13 August, while runner-up Brian Mundubile took 38% and alleged the result was tampered with. Hichilema has been credited with stabilizing the economy since taking office in 2021, when Zambia had recently defaulted on its international debt and annual inflation was above 24%. He told the BBC in Lusaka before the election that he inherited a broken-down country and that the economy was declining. The former businessman later negotiated a debt restructuring and rebuilt ties with foreign creditors, while inflation has eased but prices are still rising and many people continue to struggle with living costs.