Everson Luhanga
Zambians attacked cars believed to be carrying rigged ballots, the military took to the streets and the government shut down internet access as polls closed in the country’s closely contested national elections on Thursday evening.
President Edgar Lungu, who is standing for re-election, told journalists soon after casting his vote that everyone who has voted must go home and wait for the results. He said: “I’ve voted. I’m going home to stay, listen to the radio, newspapers, television, and wait for the results to be declared.”
But that would not be much use if you rely on the internet for information.
As he was speaking, there were soldiers were on the streets of Lusaka and Copper Belt Province and millions of Zambians didn’t have access to the internet.
Zambia’s Human Rights Watch has protested about incidents of violence and the fact that the opposition parties were barred from campaigning in key provinces like the CopperBelt Province.
Earlier in the day presidential hopeful and leader of the United Party for National Development, Hakainde Hichilema, tweeted: Today, millions of Zambians went out to vote for a better future.
“The turnout was both huge and inspiring. With early reports from across the country extremely positive, it is time to protect the vote. Be vigilant. Be patient. Thank you for your support. A new dawn is coming.”
Vanguard Africa, a non-profit group that promotes democracy, said later that the news from Zambia was “very concerning” as WhatsApp and other social media had been blocked. Zambian citizens who use the messaging app cannot message in-country, nor can they receive messages coming from abroad.
Surveys suggest economic hardship and corruption has eroded support for Lungu, who’s accused of borrowing unsustainably to finance flashy infrastructure projects, as living costs have soared.
The elections, which are too close to call, could well be headed for the run-off if there is no outright winner.
Video source: @DaddyHope
