Ruling party candidate declared winner of Zambia's presidential election

Supporters of the Patriotic Front celebrate after an announcement that their presidential candidate, Edgar Lungu won the presidential elections in Lusaka, Zambia, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. Lungu narrowly defeated his rival Hakainde Hichilema in the contest to succeed Michael Sata, who died in office in October at 77. (AP Photo/Moses Mwape) (The Associated Press)

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Supporters of the Patriotic Front hold portraits of their presidential candidate Edgar Lungu and celebrate after an announcement that Lungu won the presidential elections in Lusaka, Zambia, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. Lungu narrowly defeated his rival Hakainde Hichilema in the contest to succeed Michael Sata, who died in office in October at 77. (AP Photo/Moses Mwape) (The Associated Press)

LUSAKA, Zambia – Zambia's acting chief justice has announced that Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front has won the presidential election.

Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda said Saturday that Lungu had received 48.3 percent of the vote after all 150 constituencies in the southern African nation were counted.

Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development came in second with 46.7 percent of the vote.

Zambians voted on Jan. 20, and the polls were extended by an extra day, due to heavy rain in certain areas.

The election was held to replace President Michael Sata, who died in October after a long illness. Lungu will serve out Sata's term until elections next year.

Lungu, who heads Zambia's justice and defense ministries, said he wants to complete economic development projects initiated by Sata.