Zambia president inaugurated for second term after disputed vote and opposition arrests

LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was inaugurated Tuesday to begin his second term after a disputed election that saw some opposition leaders arrested and the country’s courts closed for legal appeals to the election outcomes.

Hichilema was sworn-in at an event at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital Lusaka in front of thousands of supporters.

Hichilema was declared the election winner on Aug. 18 with around 60% of the presidential vote, according to the Electoral Commission of Zambia. The southern African nation has held largely peaceful elections since it returned to multiparty democracy in 1991.

His main challenger, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, received around 38% of the vote. He then claimed voting irregularities and rejected the election results.

The inauguration was attended by several African leaders including Kenya President William Ruto, Botswana President Duma Boko and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Hichilema addressed the crowd of supporters at the stadium, saying the voices of those who voted for the opposition had also been heard through a democratic process.

“We receive your support with humility and with a clear understanding of the responsibility it places upon our shoulders. To those who chose other candidates or other parties, we say with equal sincerity, we have heard you,” Hichilema said.

The election outcome has been marred by reports of the arrest of Mundubile and his running mate, Makebu Zulu. Local media reported the two are being held at the Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison in central Zambia.

Mundubile said he went into hiding in fear for his life after he disputed the results and security forces raided his home the day after the elections. He and Zulu surrendered to police on Aug. 24 after seeking refuge at a United Nations building.