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Zambian netizens have reacted with mixed feelings to the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s suspension of the counting and announcement of election results countrywide, with some questioning the rationale behind the decision.
The suspension, however, has not stopped social media users from sharing unverified results and congratulating parliamentary and mayoral candidates, despite the ECZ’s directive.
Some users have questioned the decision, while others have suggested it could fuel further speculation about the outcome.
“Provide security, then continue counting. If you manage to provide security when delivering the ballot, you can do that same,” Lingson Mwanza said.
Peace Hills wrote: “Jesus is Lord! Too late for the manipulation! They send their own people to cause confusion and turn around and say there is violence. You people don’t play around with the people’s votes.”
Others said it was already “too late to manipulate the results”, claiming that voters already knew the outcome.
“When there is too much pressure you close the tap,” Nkabika Kennedy said.
Johnathan Nkhata wrote: “They used to say ati there’s no opposition.”
Meanwhile, Giveny P joked: “What makes me laugh is that everyone thought it was a walkover for aba red 😂😂 now they’re giving people sleepless nights from nowhere.”
Evans Musonda called for calm and urged losing candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome, saying Zambia had enjoyed peace over the years.
“We have enjoyed peace over the years in Zambia. Concede defeat. You are not the first person to lose elections. It is just a game; there is always a winner and a loser. Let the will of the people prevail,” he said.
Musonda, however, claimed without providing evidence that the UPND had “clearly” lost the election.
Emmanuel Sibulo questioned the decision to suspend the announcement of results, saying it could raise suspicion among the public.
“Why suspend the announcement of results? People will become suspicious,” he said.
Another user questioned why the suspension could not be limited to polling stations or areas where there was reported “confusion”.
“Why not suspend or halt the counting and announcement only in areas/stations where there is ‘confusion’? 🤔” the user wrote.
Meanwhile, a post referring to a communication from President Hakainde Hichilema’s communications team posted on Clayson Hamasaka, Chief Communications Specialist at State House in Zambia, described it as a “whitewash” while congratulating the UPND family, adding to the increasingly heated debate online.
The comments are social media reactions and claims and do not constitute independently verified election results.
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