President Hakainde Hichilema has won elections with 60% share of the vote according to the Zambian electoral Commission.

“We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands,” Hakainde Hichilema said after being declared the winner.

While addressing the nation he said, “to those citizens who preferred the ideas presented by our opponents, we hear you, and we will continue to work for you.”

However, a prominent and close challenger 55-year-old Brian Mundubile rejected the poll results claiming there was vote rigging.

Brian Mundubile scooped 38% of the vote. He claimed military involvement at tallying centres.

On Friday,  some opposition figures were arrested. The authorities accused of plotting an insurrection. Mundubile called the claim a fabrication.

A day after polling, the electoral commission briefly suspended counting and the announcement of results, citing reports of violence targeting polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers in some areas.

The suspension was lifted the same day.

The EU observation mission warned at the weekend that restrictions on the opposition in the campaigning period may have contributed to an “uneven contest”.

Regional and international observers described the election day as largely peaceful and urged all sides to remain calm and respect the official process.