Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been sworn in for a second term amid concerns over alleged irregularities in the August 13 election.

Mr Hichilema’s main rival, Brian Mundubile, was in prison on treason charges, alongside his running mate, Makebi Zulu, as the president began his second term on Tuesday.

International and local observers reported irregularities, including alleged manipulation of vote tallies, the arrest of opposition lawmakers, and a military presence at polling and vote-counting centres.

The authorities also restricted access to courts as the deadline approached for challenging the election results.

Observer reports indicated votes may have been added to Mr Hichilema’s tally, although they concluded he would have won the election regardless.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia said courts should examine allegations of discrepancies, but authorities later said no complaint had been filed.

Mr Mundubile and about a dozen opposition members were arrested over alleged national security threats, with authorities providing few details or evidence.

A lawyer for the accused said they would defend themselves in court.

The developments have raised concerns that Zambia’s latest election could undermine democratic institutions and enable future leaders to entrench their power.

Zambia, a major copper producer, is also a focus of competition between China and the United States because of its mineral wealth.

Both countries congratulated Mr Hichilema and sent representatives to his inauguration.

Despite the political concerns, Zambia’s financial markets have remained attractive to investors, with its eurobonds outperforming the African average since the election.

Analysts attributed investor confidence partly to Mr Hichilema’s first-term debt restructuring and economic recovery, which have strengthened expectations of policy continuity.

However, Christopher Vandome, senior research fellow at Chatham House, warned that the developments could undermine long-term institutional strengthening needed for sustainable investment.

(NAN)