Outgoing Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has condeded defeat to Hakainde Hichilema.
Hichilema, 59, trounced incumbent President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, 64, of the Patriotic Front in the August 12 election.
At 2:53am on August 16, Electoral Commission of Zambia chairperson Esau Chulu announced Hichilema, an economist, the winner of the poll.
Hichilema becomes the first southerner to be elected president since Zambia got independence from Britain in 1964.
The opposition leader polled 2,810,757 (59.38 per cent).
Lungu, president since taking over from fallen president Michael Sata 2014, managed 1,814,201 (38.33 per cent).
The tally included 155 of the 156 constituencies in the nation of 18 million people, seven of whom are registered voters.
Chuli noted that results from the remaining constituency would not transfer victory from Hichilema’s hands to Lungu’s.
A day earlier, Lungu had claimed the election had not been free and fair, especially in three provinces.
“The general election in three provinces, namely, Southern Province, North Western Province, and Western Province, were characterised by violence, rendering the whole exercise a nullity,” the president said in a statement issued by his special assistant Isaac Chipampe.
Today, in a televised address, Lungu conceded defeat and promised to facilitate a peaceful transition of power.
“I will comply with the constitutional provisions for a peaceful transition of power,” said Lungu.
“I would therefore like to congratulate my brother, the president-elect, His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema.”
Countrymen, women and the youth,
Six years ago, you entrusted me to lead you on a
Journey to build our country after the death of
His excellency, President Michael Sata.
This show of trust that I lead you in January, 2015 was unexpected and I accepted it with humility and gratefulness.
In 2016, you, the Zambian people, decided yet again to give me a fresh mandate for Five years.
I received that show of support with great honour.
I want to thank you, the Zambian people, for giving me such a great opportunity to be your president.
I will forever cherish and appreciate that authority you vested in me.
Countrymen, women and the youth
All I ever wanted was to serve my country to the best of my abilities, and together with you, we indeed scored in many areas.
Of course, there were challenges on the way, but what I appreciated most was your support during the tough times.
Countrymen, women and the youth
We held our general elections on Thursday, 12th August, 2021, and the electoral commission of Zambia have released the final election results.
Countrymen, women and the youth based on the revelation of the ECZ final results, 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 for becoming the 7th republican president.
Countrymen,women and the youth
Let me also congratulate all those who participated in this general election and won at various levels. To those who did not, there is always another time.
Lastly, I would like to thank all those who voted for my party, the Patriot Front and I. To you I say, your vote was not in vain, please continue supporting us.
Countrymen, women and the youth
I wish you well and may the good Lord bless our
Republic, Zambia.
I thank you.
