The result was announced at the electoral commission’s headquarters in the capital, where members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) celebrated with champagne. Outside, supporters poured onto the streets, honking car horns, chanting, dancing and setting off fireworks.

Hichilema won 2,965,326 votes, accounting for around 61.8 percent of the poll, according to commission chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis. His main challenger, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, secured 38 percent.

"I think this is a sweet victory, and as you know that in this political contestation we've had quite a number of players," said UPND media director Mark Simuuwe.

Simuuwe praised the government’s economic record and employment initiatives during Hichilema’s first term, which followed Zambia’s sovereign debt default in 2020.

"We've managed to reduce inflation, of course, to single digits from over 22 percent. We've managed to also improve our GDP from negative 2.7 to 5.8. And for us, this is a milestone. We are very excited, and we just call for peace and we call for stability, because a country that has peace will attract foreign direct investment," he added, noting that the next priority will be steps to reduce the cost of living .

According to media reports, the August 13 election was largely peaceful, although counting was temporarily suspended in some areas following attacks on election officials and the theft of ballot papers.

Mundubile called for an investigation into alleged irregularities.

Zambia has held competitive elections since returning to multiparty democracy in 1991, with power changing hands between rival parties through elections. Hichilema defeated incumbent Edgar Lungu in 2021, marking another peaceful transfer of power.

Footage shows UPND supporters singing and waving party flags as Hichilema dances on stage before addressing the crowd.

"You can't forget where we came from. We came from a bad place. Do you want peace or do you want fights? If you want peace, vote for UPND," Hichilema said.

He also asked voters to support his government ’s social programmes and allow his administration to continue its work.

"Your vote will help us to continue with the work we've been doing. Your vote will help us secure your social cash transfer. We've added more money to the social cash transfer to better your lives," he added.

Nearly 8.8 million Zambians were registered to vote on Thursday, with Hichilema seeking a second five-year term.

He faces 13 challengers, with Tonse Alliance candidate Brian Mundubile seen as his strongest opponent. A candidate needs more than 50 percent of valid votes to avoid a run-off.

Polls opened at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT) on Thursday and are due to close at 18:00 (16:00 GMT).

Hichilema has focused heavily on his economic record during the campaign. Zambia became Africa's first pandemic-era sovereign defaulter in 2020.

Under his government, restructuring agreements have been reached covering about 94 percent of the targeted debt , while inflation fell to 6.8 percent in April.

The IMF said Zambia had made "substantial progress" in stabilising its economy but cut its 2026 growth forecast to 4.3 percent, citing weaker mining output, energy constraints and other pressures.

Mundubile has argued that the economic recovery has not eased pressure on households still dealing with high food and energy costs.

Consumer prices were 6.5 percent higher in July than a year earlier, including a 6.4 percent increase in food prices.

The World Bank said in April that Zambia needed more inclusive growth and jobs, particularly for its growing young population.