Edgar Lungu re-elected in disputed vote

Zambian President Edgar Lungu narrowly won re-election on Monday, in a vote his main rival Hakainde Hichilema rejected on claims of alleged rigging by the electoral commission. Lungu faced a tough challenge from Hichilema to rule over Africa’s second-largest copper producer, which has suffered from an economic slump due to depressed commodity prices. Lungu, who […]

Zambian President Edgar Lungu narrowly won re-election on Monday, in a vote his main rival Hakainde Hichilema rejected on claims of alleged rigging by the electoral commission.
Lungu faced a tough challenge from Hichilema to rule over Africa’s second-largest copper producer, which has suffered from an economic slump due to depressed commodity prices.
Lungu, who narrowly beat Hichilema in a vote last year to replace late president Michael Sata, won 50.35 percent of the vote, against 47.63 for his opponent, the Election Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said.
“I honourable Justice Esau Chulu, being the returning officer for the election, declare Edgar Chagwa Lungu president elect,” the ECZ chairperson said. Lungu’s supporters, draped in the regalia of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), took to the streets, chanting slogans and hooting car horns in celebration soon after the announcement.