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Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has been declared President elect of the Republic Of Zambia by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
In a televized address,the ECZ chairman Justice Esau Chulu announced the final election results of the historic election sparking wild celebration in the Zambian nation.
The country went to the polls on 12 August and this election was a litmust for the country’s democracy.
Hichilema defeated incumbent leader Edgar Lunch of the Patriotic Front by a landslide victory having garnered 2,810,777 votes while Lungu was in second place with 1,814,201 votes.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) leader had been unsuccessful in his previous attempt at the presidential post having tried 2 times without any success
The tense election was marred by violence and allegations of rigging with Lungu alleging rigging of elections.
Incumbent leader said that the elections were not free and fair and hinted at challenging the results if the Patriot Front loses.
“Right now, some of our agents and supporters are in hiding because of these criminal acts. How can the elections be fair when people have been murdered and many others are in hiding after being brutalised. Is that democracy? We have written to the Electoral Commission of Zambia but they have continued announcing the results. So, we are consulting on the next decision we have to make,” the President
However international election observers poured water on the allegations and have commended the transparent and peaceful organisation of the polls but raised a red flag ceremony the restrictions on freedom of assembly and movement during the election campaign.
Lungu’s reelection bid was heavily affected by growing resentment about the rising cost of living and crackdowns on dissent in the southern African country.
Hichilema is expected to be sworn in ,in the next couple of days.
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