So the votes are in and the counting has begun! It's election time in Zambia and this year's tripartite government elections have proven to be the country's most heavily contested elections in recent times.
Current President, Mr Rupiah Banda of the ruling party MMD (Movement for Multi-Party Democracy) is up against his fierce opponent Michael Sata the leader of the PF Party (Patriotic Front). Funnily enough they were both born in the same year and are now in their 70s. Quite an achievement already... (in a country where the life expectancy is currently 37 years old).
In the last election Banda beat Sata by only 35,000 votes. This year it's expected to be even closer as more and more people have registered to vote, particularly the youth and unemployed who seem to favour PF mainly because they want change (after more than 20 years of MMD rule).
All is quiet here in Chipata, so far. Reports are coming in of violence in Lusaka as people have reported that an overturned truck carrying pre-marked voting cards were discovered. Polling stations also opened late, causing tension among voters and there are other rumours of trucks containing Malawian voters being brought in over the border to vote at Chipata polling stations.
The MMD has run a very slick campaign. There are RB (nickname for the current president) branded lollipops, t-shirts, cups, glasses, posters and even RB branded condoms! Can you imagine the president's face on!?...Nah, I don't want to think about it!
It is reported that some people are wondering where all the money has come from to oil the MMD's very visual campaign machine. MMD has defended allegations of corruption to say that all money has been raised from private donors, supporters and campaigners. The MMD campaign has been so loud that the Opposition Parties seem quiet in comparison. I'm still wondering where I can source a PF lollipop or maybe some UPND (United Party for National Development) branded tea-bags?
Voters are also electing 150 members of parliament and more than 1,000 local councillors. The first results are expected late this evening.
In the meantime, VSO has urged all volunteers to 'work from home', stock up on food, airtime and patience as we ride the waves of tense times in Zambia. I'm hoping it turns out to be peaceful...
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