Zambians formed long lines at polling stations on Thursday in a tight election race for president and parliament that has been marred by violence between rival factions. There were no immediate reports of unrest during voting in a country whose peaceful transitions of power in the past have been held up as a democratic model in Africa. However, officials were anticipating tension after polls closed Thursday evening and after the final announcement of results, expected within 24 hours. A winner must get more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election. The leader of the African Union observer mission and former Nigerian President Goodkuck Jonathan said he was happy with the process so far. “Zambians are known to be peaceful. We encourage to continue maintaining that standard,” he said.
President Edgar Lungu of the ruling Patriotic Front party faced businessman Hakainde Hichilema of the opposition United Party for National Development. Lungu won the last election with 48 percent of votes, taking office in early 2015 after the death of President Michael Sata. Hichilema, a close second in that election, called the vote a sham.
Allegations of election irregularities dogged the current race. Campaigning was suspended for 10 days last month in the capital, Lusaka, after a supporter of Hichilema’s party was shot dead amid a protest over police canceling a political rally.
Full Article: Polls close in Zambia after tight presidential race – The Washington Post.