Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second five-year term after winning the country's presidential election, according to official results released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

The ECZ said Hichilema, the candidate of the United Party for National Development (UPND), received 2,965,326 votes, or 60.49% of valid ballots cast.

His closest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation, Unity and Prosperity Party (NRPUP), won 1,856,217 votes, representing 37.87% of the vote.

ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis officially declared Hichilema president-elect on Aug. 18 following the completion of the nationwide vote count.

In a message after the announcement, Hichilema thanked Zambian voters and pledged to serve all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.

"We have heard the message from every voter, including those who supported other candidates. We will work for every Zambian without discrimination," Hichilema said.

He added that his government would intensify efforts to deliver development across the country.

"Now we must work harder than ever to ensure that the benefits of development reach every Zambian in every part of our country," he said.

Vote counting was temporarily suspended on Aug. 14 after reports of attacks on election officials and the theft of ballot boxes containing marked ballots. The Electoral Commission later resumed the count after authorities said the security situation had been brought under control.

Hichilema, who was first elected president in 2021, will now serve his second consecutive five-year term.(ILKHA)