Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema sworn in for second term while opponent detained - BBC News

Hakainde Hichilema swept to victory, but his main rival is now in custody charged with treason.

Image source, ReutersImage caption, In his speech after being sworn in President Hakainde Hichilema said: "We are moving from stabilisation to growth"

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has been sworn in for a second five-year term following a disputed election and the arrest of his main opponent on treason charges.

Hichilema - credited with stabilising the economy - swept to victory on 13 August with 60% of the vote, according to official results. Runner-up Brian Mundubile, who received 38%, alleged that the outcome had been tampered with.

He was unable to mount a legal challenge to the result as the courts were sealed off last week on the final day a case could be filed.

Election observers said that while polling day was largely peaceful, some have raised questions about the vote tallying process.