Chinese president has confidence in my leadership – Zambia's Edgar Lungu

Zambia’s president-elect Edgar Lungu has disclosed that his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping has expressed confidence in his leadership in a congratulatory message on his reelection to the office of president.

A statement issued by his special assistant on press and public relations stated that ‘‘The Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed confidence in my leadership. He believes that, my government and the people of the Republic of Zambia will attain greater achievements especially in national development.’‘

“I learned with great pleasure the news of your re-election as President of the Republic of Zambia. On behalf of the government and people of China, and in my own name, I would like to extend to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations and best wishes. I wish Your Excellency, every success in your high office,’‘ Xi is quoted to have said.

The statement further added that the Chinese leader spoke about the importance of China-Zambia traditional friendship and the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

‘‘I will continue to ensure that the China-Zambia friendship remains an opportunity to further elevate bilateral relations between Zambia and China which in return shall empower businessmen and benefit every Zambian,’‘ Lungu added.

Zambia’s Constitutional Court on Monday affirmed Lungu’s victory from the August 11 elections dismissing a petition brought by the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND).

The UPND filed the petition challenging validity of Lungu’s electoral victory. They said the polls was rigged by the government with collusion from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ.)

The ECZ declared Lungu winner of the polls with 50.35% and insists that Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) party defeated the UPND’s Hichilema fairly and squarely. Hichelima got 47.35% of votes according to the final results. His innauguration has been set for 13th September, 2016.