President Hakainde Hichilema extended his lead in Zambia’s presidential vote tally to 513,478 votes over closest rival Brian Mundubile as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) declared results from 86 additional constituencies on Sunday, bringing the total announced to 135 of the country’s 226 constituencies.
Figures released during the commission’s third results session overnight placed Hichilema of the United Party for National Development on 1,544,140 votes against Mundubile’s 1,030,662, giving the incumbent 60 percent of the tally so far.
Ten other candidates remain far behind, each polling fewer than 12,000 votes.
Across the 135 constituencies, 4.79 million voters were registered. Of these, 2.62 million ballots were valid and 77,647 rejected, producing a turnout of 56.36 percent.
Mundubile performed strongly in Copperbelt and Lusaka constituencies, including Chifubu and Lima.
The commission’s infographic shows Hichilema’s lead expanding steadily as more constituencies reported, from 21,312 votes after five constituencies to 513,478 at the 135‑constituency mark.
The ECZ confirmed the next results session would begin Monday to continue tallying the remaining 91 constituencies.
Under Zambian law, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of valid votes to avoid a run‑off.
The count has already faced delays, including a temporary suspension last Friday but the commission has pledged to complete the process within the constitutional timeframe.
Final results are expected by end of Monday.
JN/APA