In his sixth run for the presidency, Zambia’s main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema is claiming victory. The incumbent Edgar Lungu has been in power since 2015. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports.Transcript:MARCO WERMAN, HOST:On Thursday, millions of Zambians took to the polls to vote for president.The election has garnered a lot of attention.The country has been struggling with high debt and corruption in recent years.This election was seen as a test for democracy for Zambia and the region.Today the results came in.The World’s Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi tells us what happened next.HALIMA GIKANDI, BYLINE: This was not Hakainde Hichilema’s first time running for president. Or even his second. The Zambian businessman and opposition leader had tried five times before. And he even faced off against this incumbent President Edgar Lungu — twice. But today, proved for him that three times is the charm. In the early morning hours Hichilema was announced the winner of Zambia’s presidential elections in a landslide.(SOUNDBITE OF SUPPORTERS CHEERING)GIKANDI: Supporters cheered outside Hichilema’s home in Lusaka, the capital. Neo Simutanyi is a Zambian political scientist and the Executive Director of the Center for Policy Dialogue. He gave me his reaction.SIMUTANYI: Happy that Zambian democracy is working. There were so many hurdles. The playing field was not free and not fair.GIKANDI: Not free or fair at all. Zambia has a history of successful transfers of power and democratic elections. But this one was marred from the beginning, says Simutanyi.SIMUTANYI: The opposition was not allowed place to campaign. There were COVID-19 restrictions that were enforced in a very unbalanced and unfair way against the opposition.GIKANDI: Not to mention attacks on the press and internet restrictions on election day. Even after today’s result was announced many Zambians were holding their breath. Waiting to see how President Lungu would react. Some were concerned that he might contest the election. His reaction came later in the day.(SOUNDBITE BAND MUSIC)GIKANDI: A live band played patriotic music on a national broadcast. Then Lungu addressed the nation. His voice muffled by a mask.LUNGU: I will comply with the constitutional provisions for a peaceful transition of powerGIKANDI: Simple but powerful words. Especially for an African leader, says Simutanyi.SUMUTANYI: The results demonstrate the will of the people. Africa is known for manipulation of results. Africa is known for leaders refusing to concede defeat.”GIKANDI: But not this time. During his victory speech the new president-elect Hakainde Hichilema had a message for leaders everywhere.HICHILEMA: Those of us who seek public office must get it. And get it straight. That we are not masters of the people, we are servants of the people.GIKANDI: He says he hopes to unify Zambians moving forward.For The World, I’m Halima Gikandi in Nairobi.