Zambia's president leads vote count amid reports of violence and tension

politics political figures democracy elections

President Hakainde Hichilema is on course for an outright win in Zambia's presidential election. He held a commanding lead as results were tallied, with his advantage widening as partial results from approximately 71% of constituencies were released on Monday.

The electoral commission noted that Hichilema was already well ahead on Sunday with nearly half of the constituencies declared. However, the process faced interruptions, including a brief suspension of vote counting during Thursday's polls due to security threats to the electoral process.

Despite the president's lead, tensions have risen in Africa's second-largest copper producer. A shootout occurred at the home of the main opposition leader, and observers have cited violence and a tilted campaign field.

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