August 17, 2021

New Zambian Leader’s Promise

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ZTN Correspondent

Zambian leader Edgar Lungu conceded defeat on Monday after his main rival Hakainde Hichilema won the Presidential election.

Hichilema garnered 2 810 777 votes against Lungu’s 1 814 201; becoming the Southern African nation’s seventh President since independence in 1964.

The tally was for 155 of 156 constituencies.

Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu said the remaining votes from Mandevu would not affect the ultimate result.

After the commission declared Hichilema winner, Lungu said, “I will comply with the constitutional provisions for a peaceful transition of power. I would, therefore, like to congratulate my brother, the president-elect, His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema.”

Hichilema advocated unity.

“It is no doubt what the instruction is to all of us (that you) elect us to office at a very difficult time. We will not let you down,” he told supporters in the capital, Lusaka.

Hichilema has contested in six Presidential elections since switching from CEO of an accounting firm to politician.

A total of 4 858 193 ballots were cast, with 124 906 of them rejected.

In its preliminary report, the African Union Election Observer Mission said: “Despite reports of the unlevelled playing field and politically-motivated violence during the pre-electoral period, and Covid-19 related challenges, in general, AUEOM observers reported that Election Day operations were conducted in a peaceful, transparent and professional manner.

“The AUEOM commends the people of Zambia for their clear enthusiasm and determination to peacefully express their will through the ballot box. . .The Mission urges all political leaders and their supporters to not undertake any action that will undermine the peace and stability of the country.”

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