With results from half of constituencies already, Zambia’s ruling party candidate ,Edgar Lungu, is leading the race to replace late President Michael Sata, authorities say.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia, on Thursday says ballots from 80 of the 150 constituencies had been counted by late Thursday morning.
Lungu, the ruling Patriotic Front’s candidate, was leading with 533 613 votes, closely followed by opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development with 474 076.
“We have 80 constituencies which have been counted and verified,” said electoral commission chair Irene Mambilima.
She said no discrepancies had been reported since counting began.
Voting was continuing at some 12 polling stations across the country after heavy rain disrupted the Tuesday election, forcing an extension.
Observers said the election was conducted in a fair manner.
The final result was due to be announced on Friday but is expected to be delayed.
Lungu, a former lawyer with a laid-back, populist style, has used his campaign to tap into the grassroots support of his predecessor Sata, promising voters cheaper food and fuel.
Hichilema, one of Zambia’s wealthiest businessmen, has said if he wins he will draw on his experience in the private sector to attract foreign investment and diversify an economy, where copper accounts for 70 percent of export earnings.Zambia