Zambia electoral commission chairman Justice Esau Chulu in a televised address on Monday declared Hakainde Hichilema to be president-elect of the Republic of Zambia.
The significant win sparked celebrations on the streets after an election marred by sporadic violence.
The election marked the sixth time Hichilema had run for the top job and the third time he had challenged 64-year-old incumbent Lungu.
Lungu, who has been in office for six years, faced the electorate amid growing resentment about the rising cost of living and crackdowns on dissent in the southern African country.
Incumbent Lingu refused the results claiming the election was neither free nor fair due to incidents of violence reported in what are traditionally Hichilema’s stronghold.
In a statement issued through the president’s office, he alleged that his party’s polling agents were attacked and chased from voting stations.
In contrast, International election observers have commended the transparent and peaceful organisation of the polls, but condemned the restrictions on freedom of assembly and movement during the election campaign.
In spite of the fact that Security forces blocked Hichilema from campaigning in several areas citing breaches of coronavirus measures and a public order act, the 70% voters who turned up gave him a vote in what they called a protest vote
