Zambia incumbent takes early election lead as opposition alleges armed raid

President Hakainde Hichilema appears on course for outright win as observers cite violence and a tilted campaign field.Published On 17 Aug 202617 Aug 2026Zambia’s incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema has taken an early lead in the country’s general election, putting him on course for a possible outright first-round victory, as the vote is overshadowed by opposition claims that armed personnel raided his main rival’s home.Voting began after polls closed on Thursday, and with more than half the country’s constituencies counted on Sunday, Hichilema had won nearly 59 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Observers say Zambia’s election marred by reports of intimidation, violencelist 2 of 2Death toll from Zimbabwe ferry disaster rises to 72end of listHis nearest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the opposition National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), trailed with about a third.A candidate needs more than 50 percent to avoid a run-off, and final results are expected within days.However, Hichilema’s lead is being weighed against a campaign international monitors have already called unfair, and a count...