Opposition leader poised to clinch presidency in Zambia election

Haikainde Hichilema addresses a press conference in Lusaka (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP)

Veteran Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema appears on the verge of clinching the southern African country’s presidency, with a commanding lead in votes.

The 59-year old businessman, contesting the presidency for the sixth time, has more than 2.3 million votes to President Edgar Lungu’s 1.4 million votes, according to results announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.