HH holds early edge in tight race
…takes lead in third batch of consolidated results
By DAVID KANDUZA
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has released the consolidated presidential election results from 49 out of 226 constituencies, revealing a competitive race with massive chunks of the electorate already making their voices heard.
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema of the UPND currently commands the field.
He has secured 438,708 votes while Brian Mundubile, of NRPUP, had accumulated 351,281.
Further down the ballot, a crowded field of third-party candidates and independents are battling for the remaining share of the electorate.
Kelvin Fube Bwalya of the ZMP and Harry Kalaba of the CF are running neck-and-neck with 3,965 and 3,792 votes respectively.
Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe follows with 2,798 votes.
Independent candidate Given Katuta has attracted 1,919 votes, while Given Chansa of the MEE stands at 1,552.
The remaining minority candidates, including Brian Mushimba (1,111 votes), Richard Silumbe (681 votes), Ackim Njobvu (551 votes), Howard Kunda (517 votes), Richwell Siamunene (482 votes) and Daniel Pule (211 votes), represent a fractured alternative vote.
The data reflects a highly engaged population within these 49 constituencies.
Out of 1,503,450 registered voters in these areas, a total of 833,671 citizens cast their ballots, representing a robust voter turnout of 55.45 per cent.
While 807,568 votes were declared valid, election officials rejected 26,103 ballots.
The 177 constituencies were left to report.