Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has won a second five-year term, securing about 60% of the vote, according to the electoral commission. His main challenger, Brian Mundubile, received 38%, while the remaining candidates won significantly smaller shares.

Hichilema's victory was widely expected, but the election was marked by allegations of irregularities and concerns about the conduct of the campaign and counting process.

Mundubile claimed before the official announcement that he had won and alleged discrepancies between results from polling stations and those announced by the electoral authorities. He also alleged military involvement at some tallying centres, though he provided no evidence for the claims. It remains unclear whether he will formally challenge the result.

The election followed a controversial security operation at the home of several opposition figures. Authorities accused those arrested of plotting an insurrection, allegations Mundubile rejected as fabricated. He said armed personnel forced their way into his Lusaka home, damaging property and opening fire. Government representatives disputed his account and said criminal charges would be brought against those arrested.

The electoral commission also briefly suspended the counting and announcement of results after reports of violence against election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers in some areas. Counting resumed later the same day.

International and regional observers generally described polling day as peaceful but raised concerns about the wider electoral environment. These included restrictions on opposition activities, media access and freedom, late electoral reforms, and reports of intimidation and other incidents in several provinces. The European Union said restrictions on the opposition may have contributed to an "uneven contest."

After being declared the winner, Hichilema thanked voters and said the election demonstrated Zambia's commitment to democracy and resolving political differences through the ballot box. He also acknowledged voters who had supported the opposition, saying his government would continue to work for them.

Hundreds of Hichilema's supporters celebrated in Lusaka following the announcement.

Zambia has maintained a relatively strong record of peaceful transfers of presidential power since the return to multiparty democracy in 1991. The handling of the opposition's allegations and any possible legal challenge will now be closely watched as the country begins Hichilema's second term.