The move was welcomed by DA leader Mmusi Maimani who what denied entry into Zambia when he tried to attend Hichilema’s bail application earlier this year.

The Democratic Alliance has maintained all along that the treason charges against Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema were baseless.

The man who ran a very close second to President Edgar Lungu in last year’s election allegedly endangered Lungu’s life by blocking his motorcade.

The DA says the charges were trumped up and

clearly motivated by a government intent on eliminating a political opponent.

The violent nature of Hichilema’s s arrest, and the inhumane treatment that he  received in detention, confirms the political motives behind the charges.

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Foreign journalists were barred when Hichilema and five others appeared in court yesterday to plead not guilty.

Amnesty International says treason charges against Hakainda Hichilema for allegedly putting President Edgar Lungu’s life in danger and later of planning to overthrow the state have been trumped up.

Hichilema, who lost a neck-and-neck Presidential race against Lungu a year ago, appeared in good health during his brief appearance yesterday.

Reports that he would be released have been at best premature.

Lawers persist that he will be released the weakness of the state’s case becomes apparent.

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The results from this closely fought race are expected tomorrow

ends intro

Both the incumbent Edgar Lungu and his challenger Hakainde Hichilema have expressed confidence about the outcome of the elections which saw a good turnout in a calm, peaceful environment.

28 000 votes separated them when they competed for the top job last year after the death of President Michael Sata.

Lungu’s Patriotic Front was hit by splits and defections to Hichilema’s United Party for National Development ahead of the vote.

About 6.7 million people were registered to vote. Violence marred the campaign so there’s concern about the loser accepting the result.

The winner will need 50 percent plus one to avoid a run off

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Observers are braced for trouble when the results are announced on Saturday.

ends intro

For the first time, a Zambian presidential candidate must win 50 percent of votes plus one to avoid a run off.

Following the death of Michael Sata last October, Edgar Lungu won the right succeed him with a margin of fewer than 28 000 votes.

He has his work cut out against opponent Hakainda Hichilema.

Two Zambian presidents have died in office this past decade, so both candidates have named running mates to succeed them.

Observers report brisk voting with a high turnout from the fourteen-and-a-half million Zambians.

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Hakainda Hichilema is the main contender with Edgar Lungu for the position vacated by the death of President Michael Sata last October.

Representing the opposition United Party for National Development Hakainde Hichilema says polling stations in remote parts of Zambia had not received voting material half way through the 12-hour polling day.

He maintains these rural areas are his stronghold in a closely contested race.

There are four candidates fighting for the last year-and-a-half of the late Michael Sata’s five-year term.

The winner will be either Lungu from the ruling Patriotic Front or Hichilema.

There have been no opinion polls to assist observers.

Voting has been brisk despite Zambia’s five million eligible voters being election weary.

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