Mutharika congratulates Lungu for winning Zambia elections

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Edgar Lungu with Peter Mutharika

Malawi President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was among the first heads of state to congratulate Zambia President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for emerging victorious in last Thursday’s polls.

According to results announced on August 15 by Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Lungu narrowly defeated opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and managed to avoid a rerun after passing the 50+1 threshold by a fraction.

Writing on his official Facebook account, President Mutharika observed how the Zambia elections continue to strengthen democracy in this part of Africa.

Edgar Lungu with Peter Mutharika
Edgar Lungu with Peter Mutharika (File)

“Elections in any democratic setting fully underline the participation of the citizenry in governance issues. To the people of Zambia I say; well done for a peaceful election process. Whether your candidate has won or not, may you place the aspirations of your nation ahead of everything,” reads part of the message.

President Mutharika’s message has caught the eye of many Zambians who flooded his page to express gratitude on his best wishes to the people of Zambia.

Several regional and global observers have described the polls as free and fair despite claims by opposition claims that Lungu rigged the elections.

The Malawi leader commended the people of Zambia for a peaceful election process which despite few political tensions was largely in order.

Lungu is expected to be sworn in for his own full term later his week. He came to power last year following the death of late Michael Sata who ruled Zambia from 2011.