By Edwin Kyle Kule 
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, a baptised Seventh-day Adventist, Master Guide and church elder, has won a second term in office after securing a decisive victory in the country’s August 13 presidential election.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia announced early Tuesday that Hichilema has won 61.4 percent of the vote, defeating his closest challenger, former provincial minister Brian Mundubile, who received about 38 percent.
Hichilema’s re-election gives the Adventist leader another five-year mandate to govern Zambia after a first term marked by efforts to stabilize the country’s economy and address its debt crisis.
Beyond his political career, Hichilema has a notable connection to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He and his wife, Mutinta, are baptized members of the Church and were invested as Master Guides in December 2020 after completing the required training.
The investiture was conducted through the Adventist Church’s youth ministries in Zambia.
Hichilema has also publicly identified himself as a Christian and an Adventist church elder. His continued involvement with the Church has made his political journey particularly significant to Adventists in Zambia and beyond.
The election, however, was not without controversy. Vote counting was temporarily suspended after opposition figures were arrested during a police raid that reportedly involved an exchange of gunfire.
Opposition parties and civil society organizations also raised allegations of electoral irregularities and accused the ruling party of restricting political space.
International and domestic observers said the circumstances surrounding the election contributed to an uneven playing field.
Nevertheless, the Electoral Commission proceeded with the announcement of Hichilema’s victory, saying the outstanding results from five constituencies were not expected to change the overall outcome.
Hichilema’s victory therefore represents more than a political re-election. For the Seventh-day Adventist community, it also marks the continued service of a Master Guide and church elder at the highest political office in Zambia.
As he begins his second term, Hichilema faces the challenge of responding to economic hardships and public concerns while working to strengthen national unity and restore confidence in the electoral and political process.
His re-election also places renewed attention on the values of Christian leadership, service and integrity that are central to the Master Guide ministry, qualities Adventists will hope their fellow member will demonstrate as he leads the nation for another five years.