Opposition leader angered by vote results delay

Zambia’s opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema on Sunday blasted the national election commission for slow progress in releasing results from this week’s closely-fought presidential vote. Hichilema, the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) who has alleged fraud in Thursday’s vote, demanded to speak to the commission’s chairman at its headquarters where the ballots […]

Zambia’s opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema on Sunday blasted the national election commission for slow progress in releasing results from this week’s closely-fought presidential vote.
Hichilema, the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) who has alleged fraud in Thursday’s vote, demanded to speak to the commission’s chairman at its headquarters where the ballots are being counted, but he was blocked by police.
So far results from only 69 out of 156 constituencies have been released. The electoral commission had initially indicated that results would be announced within 48 hours of the close of voting, and no explanation has been given for the delays.
“Why are they taking this long?” asked Hichilema, a wealthy businessman who is making his fifth bid for the presidency.
Lungu is currently slightly ahead on 699,960 votes – with his victories including the capital Lusaka – with Hichilema close behind on 644,132. The other seven presidential candidates are far behind.