Hichilema Takes Strong Lead In Zambia Election

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has widened his lead in the presidential election, with partial results from about 71% of constituencies now counted.

Hichilema, who is seeking a second term under the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), had secured about 62% of valid votes, up from 59% recorded late on Sunday.

His main challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), was on about 36%, down from 39%.

Hichilema had received at least 1,544,140 votes from 226 constituencies, while Mundubile had secured no fewer than 1,030,662 votes.

The latest results were announced at the National Election Results Centre in Lusaka by Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis.

Hichilema, 64, is seeking to build on his first term, during which his administration has focused on restructuring Zambia’s debt, reviving the mining sector and expanding social programmes, including free education in public schools.

Mundubile, 55, has also gained support through an opposition alliance that has performed strongly in several parliamentary constituencies, particularly along the Lusaka-Copperbelt corridor.

Under Zambia’s Constitution, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of valid votes to win outright. Otherwise, a run-off is held between the two leading candidates.

SOURCE: TRTAfrika