EU election observers cite systematic irregularities in Zambia vote

On August 18, President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner with approximately 60 percent of the vote, defeating Brian Mundubile, who secured 38 percent. The result followed a chaotic counting period marred by violence. EU observers noted that an armed group seized result forms in Lusaka on August 15, while alleged UPND cadres disrupted tabulation centers in Kabwe the following day. By the time counting resumed after a suspension, the quality of the process had plummeted, with observers marking 12 percent of centers as "bad" or "very bad."

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile has vowed to challenge the outcome in court, citing documented inconsistencies in the transmission and declaration of results. Observers reported that returning officers frequently paused operations to await instructions from the Electoral Commission of Zambia headquarters. The integrity of the process is of particular concern to Brussels, as Zambia serves as a cornerstone of the €2 billion Lobito Corridor project, an EU-US initiative designed to secure access to copper and other critical minerals. Recent allegations by Global Witness regarding potential illicit corporate funding for Hichilema’s party—claims categorically denied by Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals—have further complicated the political landscape surrounding the election.