Opposition leader and businessman Hakainde Hichilema was on Monday declared winner of the Zambian presidential elections after running for the sixth time.
“I, therefore, declare the said Hakainde Hichilema to be president-elect of the Republic of Zambia,” electoral commission chairman Justice Esau Chulu said in a televised address.
The veteran politician beat his long-time rival Edgar Lungu following a bruising race held as living conditions in Zambia deteriorated.
Hichilema promised to rebuild investor confidence as he faces an economy wracked by debt, inflation and unemployment.
Zambia is known as one of Africa’s most stable democracies where transition of power has been a peaceful process since the country adopted the multi-party system in 1990.
While international election observers commended the transparent and peaceful elections, they also criticized restrictions on freedom of assembly and movement during campaigning.
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