Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election as President of Zambia, saying India greatly values its multifaceted partnership with the African nation.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said he looked forward to working with Hichilema to further strengthen bilateral relations.
“Heartiest Congratulations to President Hakainde Hichilema on being re-elected as the President of Zambia. India greatly values its multifaceted partnership with Zambia, and I look forward to working together to further strengthen our relations under his leadership,” the Prime Minister said.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on Tuesday declared Hichilema the winner of the presidential election.
ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis announced the official results at the National Election Results Centre in Lusaka, declaring Hichilema, the candidate of the ruling United Party for National Development, as the winner.
According to figures released by the commission, Hichilema secured more than 2.9 million valid votes, crossing the 50 per cent threshold required under Zambia’s Constitution for an outright victory without a run-off.
The ECZ said that although results from a few constituencies were yet to be announced, they would not affect the outcome of the one-day election.
Vote counting was temporarily suspended on Friday following violence targeting polling staff and reports of ballot theft at some polling stations. The process resumed after the security situation was brought under control, according to Xinhua news agency.
Hichilema first assumed office as Zambia’s President in August 2021 after securing a decisive electoral victory.
India and Zambia share longstanding and cordial relations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India established diplomatic ties with Zambia soon after the country’s independence in 1964. Over the past six decades, the bilateral partnership has been based on mutual respect and cooperation for shared benefit.
(IANS Inputs)
