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Dr Kenneth David Kaunda

Lusaka — Former Zambian leader Kenneth Kaunda has congratulated President Edgar Lungu following his victory in the presidential elections.
Zambia held its elections on August 11.

Speaking at the State House on Wednesday Kaunda said: “Through the outcome of the vote, the people of Zambia continue to exhibit their trust in the president and his work.”

Kaunda, according to Lusaka Times, praised Lungu for upholding the motto, “One Zambia, One Nation”, in order to promote development and unity.

Reports indicated that Lungu received 1 860 877 votes while his rival, Hakainde Hichelema of the the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) received 1 760 347.

For the first time, the winner needed over 50 percent of the votes to avoid a run-off election.

The elections were tainted with street clashes followed by allegations of irregularities from the opposition.

The Post reported on Thursday that the opposition had warned Zambians to brace for misery and chaos as the UPND prepared to fight the election results in court.

The UPND, along with the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), accused Lungu of being a self-ordained emperor, The Post reported.

“Edgar Lungu’s history since he came on the political scene brought a terrible taste in the mouth of any democrat. His regime is well known for its love for illegalities, disrespect for the rule of law and disregard for anything that is civil and legal,” MMD leader Nevers Mumba was quoted as saying. – AFP