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Zambians throng streets to celebrate Hichilema’s win

Monday August 16 2021
Supporters of Zambian President-elect Hakainde Hichilema.

Supporters of Zambian President-elect Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) celebrate in downtown Lusaka, on August 16, 2021. PHOTO | PATRICK MEINHARDT | AFP

By MICHAEL CHAWE

Zambians thronged streets from the wee hours of Monday morning to celebrate businessman Hakainde Hichilema’s election victory.

Zambia's electoral commission chairperson Esau Chulu early Monday declared Mr Hichilema winner with 2,810,757 votes — translating to 59.38 per cent — against Mr Lungu’s 1,814,201 (38.33 per cent).

He announced the results with 155 out of 156 constituencies reporting results, saying the results from the remaining one constituency would not materially influence the outcome.

Supporters of Zambian president-elect Hakainde Hichilema celebrate.

Supporters of Zambian president-elect Hakainde Hichilema celebrate his win in Lusaka, on August 16, 2021. PHOTO | SALIM DAWOOD | AFP

After the official announcement was made slightly before 2.35am, Mr Hichilema’s supporters went into a frenzy, popping champagne in celebration.

By mid-morning, people were singing and celebrating in the streets of Lusaka.

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Looting

However, police reported looting in some malls and small shops in the capital Lusaka and some parts of the Copperbelt Province.

Videos were awash with pictures of destruction and looting of a mall located in outgoing President Edgar Lungu’s home town of Kitwe in the Copperbelt, showing strewn debris and broken glass.

Supporters of Zambian President-elect Hakainde Hichilema.

Supporters of Zambian President-elect Hakainde Hichilema deface a wall previously covered with electoral posters of President Edgar Lungu in Lusaka on August 16, 2021. PHOTO | MARCO LONGARI | AFP

“Soon all those that have taken part in the looting will be fished out and be prosecuted according to the provisions of the law,” Zambia Police spokesperson said in a statement.

“Officers from Defence and Security wings have already arrested some criminals who took part in the looting and damaging of property.”

Police said lawlessness will not be tolerated.

The government had deployed troops to the streets ahead of the August 12 vote to quell any possible violence.

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