Lead image for Zambia opposition leader sues to overturn election result after 'vote fraud' claims.
Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile said on Wednesday that he would challenge the results of the August 13 presidential election in court, alleging vote fraud in the contest that handed President Hakainde Hichilema a second term in office.
"Our campaign has documented serious irregularities, inconsistencies and circumstances surrounding the conduct, counting, transmission and declaration of results," Mundubile said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Hichilema declined immediate comment. The Electoral Commission of Zambia could not immediately be reached for comment.
The commission declared Hichilema the winner on Tuesday with about 60 per cent of votes, compared with 38 per cent for Mundubile in the mineral-rich southern African nation.
EU mission flags transparency concerns
A European Union election observer mission raised some concerns about transparency, saying that many polling centre staff had failed to record the results on the tally sheet as soon as they were announced, as regulations require.
"Observers reported extended breaks during the results tabulation process in almost half of observations, as the returning officers seemed to wait and receive instructions from... headquarters before announcing results," the mission said in a statement.