Zambia's Hichilema leads vote count amid opposition arrests

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has extended his lead in the country's presidential election, with partial results from approximately 71% of constituencies showing him with about 62% of the valid votes. His main challenger, Brian Mundubile, has seen his share drop to 36%.

Late Sunday, the Zambian government announced that police had arrested several leading opposition figures on election night, August 13, accusing them of posing a threat to state security. The government stated that shots were fired from an opposition leader's residence at law enforcement agents and that individuals arrested were allegedly found with military weapons and ammunition for use in armed insurrection.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have accused the government of increasing repression leading up to the election, including restrictions on meetings and campaign activities, which the government denies.

Zambia is the second-largest copper producer in Africa and holds strategic interest for its critical minerals.