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Zambian Opposition Leader Hakainde Hichilema Declared Winner of Presidential
Election

VOA News

   Zambia's mainoppositionpartyleader Hakainde Hichilema has been declared
   the winner of the country's presidential election, winningmore
   than50%of the vote, avoiding arunoffelection.

   Zambia's electoral commission announced Monday in the capital, Lusaka,
   that Hichilema had won more than 2.8 million votes, with incumbent
   President Edgar Lungu taking 1.8 millionvotes. The 59-year-old
   Hichilema, a wealthy businessman and leader of the United Party for
   National Development, is claiming the presidency on his sixthtry.

   Hichilema's victory was fueled by widespread discontent with the
   collapse of Zambia's economy, which has been saddledbyfalling prices of
   copper, its chief export, rising inflation and unemployment, becoming
   the first African nation during the COVID-19 pandemic to default on its
   sovereign debt last year.

   Lungu denounced the election as "not free and fair" Saturday after the
   first round of votes had been released, alleging acts of violence
   against his supporters and members of his ruling Patriotic Front
   party.But government forces blocked Hichilema from campaigning in
   several areas, while activists accused the government of harsh
   restrictions on public demonstrations.

   Lunguwasseeking a second term in office, having defeated Hichilema in
   the 2016 elections.Heboasted of the many infrastructure projects his
   government has undertaken during his tenure.

   Some information for this report came fromthe Associated Press,Reuters
   andAgenceFrance-Presse.

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