(GIN)—By a close margin, Zambians chose a centrist candidate, Rupiah Banda, as president in this southern African country. African regional electoral monitors said voting had been free and fair.

At his swearing on Nov. 2, Banda promised “to be an agent of continuity, good governance and will campaign against corruption,… I also promise to fight poverty because poverty is demeaning.”

Banda called for national unity since citizens were greatly divided during pre-elections campaigns.

“It does not matter which party you voted for, at the end of the day we are all Zambians,” Banda said. “It is time we all unite and work for a better future.”

Banda, 71, succeeds Levy Mwanawasa who died unexpectedly in August after suffering a stroke.