Business tycoon Hakainde Hichilema on Sunday extended his lead in Zambia's hotly-contested polls, partial results showed, placing him on the cusp of governing the debt-burdened but copper-rich southern African country.
This is the sixth time opposition politician Hichilema, who is 59, has run for the top job and the third time he has challenged 64-year-old President Edgar Lungu.
Lungu who has been in office for six years faced the electorate amid growing resentment about rising living costs and crackdowns on dissent in the southern African country.
Final results for Zambia's election should be released by early Monday Photo: AFP / MARCO LONGARI
Hichilema enjoyed the backing of 10 opposition parties at Thursday's vote under the banner of the largest opposition United Party for National Development (UPND).
With 107 of the 156 constituencies reporting, official results showed Hichilema on 1.847,870 votes, or 69 percent of ballots counted so far, ahead of Lungu who had 1.079,713.
Final results should be released by early Monday at the latest.
IMAGES As Zambians await the results of the presidential election, supporters of Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and long-time rival of President Edgar Lungu, gather outside the opposition party offices in the capital Lusaka. Photo: AFPTV / Maryke VERMAAK
The incumbent has cried foul before a winner is declared, 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 polling stations.
Map of Zambia held presidential elections on August 12. Photo: AFP / STAFF
Hichilema, popularly referred to by his initials 'HH' or Bally (slang for dad), on Sunday called for peace.
"With victory in sight, I'd like to ask for calm from our members and supporters," he tweeted.
Data vending booths are closed in Lusaka as Zambia awaits the outcome of the election Photo: AFP / MARCO LONGARI
"We voted for change for a better Zambia that's free from violence and discrimination."
"Let us be the change we voted for and embrace the spirit of Ubuntu (humanity) to love and live together harmoniously."
He later tweeted an image of a silhouette of his raised hand superimposed on a background bearing the inscription "change is here".
Hichilema also tweeted a picture of himself and former president Rupiah Banda at the latter's residence, saying they had just concluded a meeting.
"We discussed a wide range of issues bordering on the welfare of our people. We remain committed to ensuring a united and prosperous Zambia for all," he wrote on Twitter.
Turnout was over 70 percent in a vote that analysts say was a referendum against Lungu's rule.
Parties that have backed Hichilema on Sunday scoffed at Lungu's "unsubstantiated" claims, and urged him to concede.
"We ask you (Lungu) for once to act in a statesman-like manner by quickly conceding to your brother Hakainde Hichilema so that the process of handover and reconciliation of this nation can begin," Charles Milupi, chairman of the UPND Alliance told reporters.
"The mere fact that ordinary voters... reacted against your (Patriotic Front party)... officials trying to do wrong things, does not constitute an illegality," said Milupi, urging Zambians to prepare for Hichilema's inauguration.
International election observers have commended the transparent and peaceful organisation of the polls, but condemned the restrictions on freedom of assembly and movement.
Security forces blocked Hichilema from campaigning in several areas, including the strategic Copperbelt Province, citing breaches of coronavirus measures and a public order act.
Lungu also deployed the military following pre-election clashes and reinforced the army presence in three provinces after two deaths were reported on election day.
