The Election Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said Lungu narrowly secured 50.35% vote, over the 50% maximum needed to avoid a second round under a new electoral system.
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Lungu faces a stiff challenge from United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema, who accuses him of failing to steer the economy out of its slump after Africa’s second-largest copper producer was hit by weak commodity prices.
According to the United Party for National Development (UPND) leader, his party demanded a recount in the Lusaka district, “for the sake of free, fair, credible and transparent elections”.
The Electoral Commission rejected Hichilema’s allegations that it was colluding with Lungu’s party over the result, describing the charges as “regrettable”.
The electoral commission said final results would not be announced by early Sunday as initially anticipated.
Lungu has been in office for just 19 months after taking power past year when he beat Hichilema by less than 28,000 votes in a snap election following the death in office of president Michael Sata.
Mr Hichilema described the vote as a “coup on the democratic process” in an interview with Radio France Internationale as official results were coming through.
Chris Akufuna, a spokesperson for the Electoral Commission of Zambia, declined to comment on the disputed result, but urged aggrieved parties to submit complaints in writing. Under President Michael Sata, Lungu served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Defense.
Recent constitutional changes require the victor to secure more than 50% of the vote, meaning a run-off is possible should neither candidate secure a majority in the first round.
Officials of the ruling party nap as they await results of the presidential elections in Lusaka, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016.
Apart from electing a president, the electorate will be voting for 156 lawmakers, 1 624 local councillors, city mayors and for a referendum meant to amend part three of the constitution, which deals with people’s rights.
“Our main concern is that Mr Hichilema has chose to take his frustrations to a criminal level”, said Given Lubinda, a member of the parliament dissolved ahead of the vote.
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Cecile Kyenge, a European Union observer of the election, said the commission was professional in its preparations for the vote, but did not address any perceived bias by state-run media toward the incumbent candidate.
