Zambia Election Update: Vote counting has begun after Thursday’s tightly watched presidential, parliamentary and local elections, with about 8 million registered voters and results expected Monday; the race is widely seen as a referendum on President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic reforms amid persistent cost-of-living pressure. Early Returns: Initial polling-station figures point to a geography of margins—Hichilema dominating parts of the western/north-western belt while Brian Mundubile leads in pockets such as Kasama and Chipata—turning the contest into a question of “by how much”. Incumbent’s Message: Hichilema says the election reflects growing stability and a steadier kwacha, urging unity as the country awaits results. Opposition Push: Mundubile warns against vote manipulation, citing low turnout concerns in Southern Province, and frames his bid as “second independence” focused on jobs, poverty reduction and rights. Rule-of-Law Tensions: Copperbelt police commissioner Mwala Yuyi’s lawyer calls his two-week detention “injustice” after alleging delays in being taken to court. Finance & Markets: Standard Bank reports strong Africa Regions earnings (N$10.4bn) and Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala stresses client-focused execution as the group tracks record profit momentum.