The Secretary-General of the United Nations His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki Moon has congratulated the people of Zambia for the peaceful and orderly presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, as well as the referendum on the Bill of Rights, held on 11 August. 

A message from the Office of the Spokesperson of Mr. Ban stated that the Secretary-General recalls Zambia’s history of peaceful elections, and the democratic transition he witnessed when he visited the country in 2012.

In this regard, the Secretary-Secretary reminds all parties, especially political leaders and their supporters, of their responsibility to reject violence and to refrain from the use of inflammatory and incendiary language.

He also reminds them to resolve differences or disputes through constitutional means and in line with international norms and standards. 

Mr. Ban says the United Nations remains committed to supporting Zambia's democratic governance and sustainable development and will continue to work closely with the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Commonwealth and other international partners in this regard.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on Monday 15th August, 2016 declared His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, winner of the presidential elections after he amassed over 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast, in line with the new Constitutional requirements.

President Lungu scored 1,860,877, which is 50.35 per cent of the 3,695,710 total valid votes cast. He defeated eight other presidential candidates.

Under the new electoral laws, the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) [No. 2 of 2016] Article 47. (1), elections to the office of President shall be conducted directly, under a majoritarian electoral system, where the winning candidate must receive more than fifty percent of the valid votes cast, and in accordance with Article 101. President Lungu obtained 13,022 votes above half.

President Lungu was on a joint ticket with Her Honour Mrs Inonge Wina, Vice-President of the Republic of Zambia, as his running mate.