Zambia - Second Presidential Election in 2 Years - 11 August 2016

[Famous Mortimer]

Zambia had its second election in 2 years on August 11. The election that happened last year was just a special election to see who would complete the term of the late President Sata, who died in office. This election is for a whole term.

It was the same candidates as last time so it makes sense that people on this board forgot about it. A few months ago, I would have simply assumed the same candidates would mean the same results as a year later.

Not so.

The election is just as close as last time, even closer. Some are reporting that opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema is in the lead.

If Hakainde Hichilema does win, it will be because of a massive amount of defections from the ruling Patriotic Front party, mostly from the left-wing of the party which was tied to the late president Sata. Defectors include Sata's son as well as former interim President Guy Scott.

[ag]

Still counting!

[ag]

Official result: incumbent reelected with 50.35% against the 47.67% for the main opposition. No run-off. Opposition cries foul.