Zambia's president extends election lead, opposition cries fraud

President Hakainde Hichilema appears on course for an outright win as observers cite violence and a tilted campaign field. Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has extended his lead in the country’s general election as vote counting continues. With 71 percent of constituencies announcing their counts on Monday, Hichilema was reported to have won nearly 62 percent of the vote, up from 59 percent on Sunday, according to the southern African country’s electoral commission. The count puts the incumbent on course for a first-round victory, in an election overshadowed by opposition claims of increased government repression. The home of Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) was targeted by an armed raid, and several opposition members have been arrested, according to police.

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