Zambian business tycoon and veteran opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema scored a landslide victory on August 16 in bitterly-contested presidential elections. The electoral commission proclaimed Mr. Hichilema president-elect in the early hours of Monday, bringing the curtain down on Mr. Lungu's nearly six-year stay in power. It was the 59-year-old's sixth bid for the top job and his third against his bitter rival Mr. Lungu (64). Mr. Hichilema enjoyed the backing of 10 opposition parties, which threw their weight behind his United Party for National Development (UPND). "Amidst an unprecedented public health challenge, the Zambian people have made Africa proud for conducting a successful election," Mr. Odinga tweeted.

Source: The Hindu August 16, 2021 17:26 UTC