Lusaka— President Hakainde Hichilema has taken a commanding lead in Zambia’s presidential election, with results from 135 of the country’s 226 constituencies now announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Hichilema has so far secured 1,544,140 votes, while his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, has polled 1,030,662 votes.

The incumbent is therefore ahead by 513,478 votes.

With results from 135 constituencies announced, 91 constituencies remain to be reported.

The latest tally places Hichilema firmly ahead as the ECZ continues with the verification and announcement of results.

The final outcome will be determined once results from all 226 constituencies have been received, verified and officially declared by the Electoral Commission.