Zambian President Edgar Lungu concedes defeat.

By Samuel Ouma

The outgoing Zambian President Edgar Lungu has conceded defeat and congratulated his rival Hakainde Hichilema for winning the country's election held on Thursday, August 12, 2021.

“Based on the revelation of the Electoral Commission of Zambia final results, i will comply with the constitutional provisions for a peaceful transition of power,” he said in a short televised address to the nation.

 “I wish to congratulate my brother, the president-elect, His Excellency, mr Hakainde Hichilema for becoming the 7^th republican president,” he added.

He also congratulated all those who participated in the election and won at various levels, reminding losers that there is always another time.

The 64-year-old further thanked those who voted for him and his party, The Patriotic Front.

At the same time, he expressed gratitude to Zambians for allowing him to be their President and supporting him during challenging moments.

In the final tally released by the electoral commission on Monday, Mr. Hichilema garnered 2810777 votes against Lungu, who captured 1814201.

Mr. Lungu was elected the President of the South African country in 2015 following the death of His Excellency Michael Sata. In 2016, he was freshly elected as President and served until now.

He concluded his address by wishing the President-elect well.

This year’s poll was Mr. Hichilema’s sixth attempt at winning the presidency.