By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has sparked a wave of humorous reactions on social media after posting a brief message saying, “Sorry to VPN providers,” amid a largely stable internet connection on election day.
The President’s post quickly attracted comments from social media users, many of whom interpreted the remark as a playful reference to earlier fears and claims that internet access could be disrupted during the August 13 general election.
Some users appeared surprised that internet services remained available, with Juliet Makwama writing: “We have voted, still voting and internet is very stable.”
Norah Winga Ngunga similarly expressed surprise, saying: “Ineh shocked. The whole day we have good network,” while another user simply declared: “We have enough internet.”
Read more: Social Media Trends: Voters eroding secret ballot principle by posting marked ballots online
Others used the opportunity to poke fun at predictions that internet access could be switched off, with Chabwela Mwanza writing: “The other camp swore u were going to switch off the internet today.”
The comments also drew comparisons with the 2021 general elections, when concerns over internet access featured prominently in public debate.
Emmanuel Mengo joked: “2021 this time I was in Lesotho,” while another user quipped that the President should apologise even to those who “carried their own pens,” in an apparent reference to election-day speculation and precautions.
The post also attracted strong political reactions, with some users expressing support for President Hichilema and others making comments about the political contest.
Chris Phiri told the President: “You are the leader this country need,” while Marc Kandeke posted: “The Zambia we want.”
Meanwhile, Vitalis Tembo offered a confident political prediction, saying: “The only thing that will change after 13th August is the weather not the President.”
Other users focused on the peaceful conduct of voting, with Mwando Mulenga joking that the opposition might think the peaceful election was “AI.”
The exchange reflects the increasingly prominent role of social media in shaping public conversation around the 2026 general elections, with voters using online platforms to share their experiences, comment on developments and challenge claims circulating before and during polling day.
Hichilema’s short message, meanwhile, provided fresh fuel for an online conversation that blended political debate, election-day humour and relief over continued internet connectivity.
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