1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov December 21, 2021Zambia: 2021 Elections and New GovernmentIn Zambias August 2021 general elections, longtime opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema won the presidential race with 59% of votesafter five prior unsuccessful runs. In concurrent National Assembly elections,
2、his United Party for National Development (UPND) party won a majority; it holds 56% of 165 seats, including appointed ones. U.S. post-poll statements, including from Members of Congress, lauded the electoral process and the “peaceful transfer of power” to Hichilema by then-President Edgar Lungu of t
3、he Patriotic Front (PF) party. Secretary of State Antony Blinken later called “Zambias unshakeable commitment to democratic ideals. an inspiration to all who seek the freedom, prosperity, and justice.” He attributed the elections success, in part, to the participation of “a record number of young an
4、d first-time voters.” (Voter turnout, at 69%, was the highest since 2006.) Opposition activists elsewhere in Africa hailed the outcome as demonstrating that years of dogged opposition activism can result in the democratic ouster of powerful incumbent regimes. Hichilema has pledged to reverse negativ