Eugene Nyavor
Hakainde Hichilema, a business tycoon and the leader of Zambia’s opposition, has won the 2021 president’s race against Edgar Lungu.
On Monday 16th August 2021, official results showed that Hakainde Hichilema won 2,810,757 votes against 1,814,201 for Lungu in 155 of 156 constituencies.
“I therefore declare the said Hakainde Hichilema to be president-elect of the Republic of Zambia,” EC chairman Justice Esau Chulu said.
As a result of the win, street celebrations were held following an election marred by sporadic violence.
Prior to running for office, Hichilema was the chief executive of a firm that made financial advice to clients. He faces a daunting task in turning around the economy of one of the world’s poorest countries.
The election marked Hichilema’s sixth attempt to succeed Lungu, who had been president since 1994.
The margin of defeat to Lungu in 2016 was about 100,000 votes.
