Lusaka: Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term in office with more than 2.9 million votes, the Electoral Commission of Zambia announced early Tuesday. Hichilema, 64, beat his main challenger in last Thursday's presidential election, Brian Mundubile of the National Restoration Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP), who won 1.8 million votes, far surpassing the constitutionally required 50% plus one threshold of the majority vote.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hichilema expressed his gratitude to the nation in a post on Facebook shortly after the announcement. "Thank you Zambia. We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands, to hold our nation's highest office and be your servant once more," he stated. The declaration of his victory was made by Electoral Commission of Zambia chairperson Mwanagala Zaloumis at the national election center in Lusaka.

Zaloumis emphasized the decisiveness of Hichilema's victory, noting that results from the remaining five of the country's 226 constituencies would not affect the outcome. The announcement of his win was met with widespread jubilation across Lusaka, as citizens took to the streets in celebration, undeterred by the early morning chill.

Collins Maoma, the national chairperson of Hichilema's sponsoring party, the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), echoed the sentiment of the Zambian people. "Mr. President, please continue being the good leader that you are to this country. The people of Zambia have demonstrated once again their confidence and belief in your leadership," he told reporters.