Gloom covers Kabwe as residents question poll results
By Thandizo Banda
SADNESS has replaced celebration in Kabwe after the August 13 elections with residents and party agents questioning the credibility of results marred by disputed tallies, swapped forms and days-long delays.
Yesterday, Kabwe Town, Bwacha and Makululu were unusually quiet, places known for a frenzy activities.
Voters gathered in small groups at markets and bus stations, asking how results announced at polling stations turned into different figures five days later.
“The mood is heavy because people feel something was not right,” said Ken Chanda, a National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) agent at Broadway verification centre.
Chanda said people had voted, but the results which were announced at the final stage were not a true reflection of what was announced at polling stations.
“We voted, but we don’t understand what happened to the results after at the centres because those are not what were announced at polling stations,” he said.
He cited alleged intimidation by police and security personnel at polling stations, the suspicious suspension of vote counting during the process, and reports of swapped totaling centre returns.
Chanda said the party was still compiling evidence and consulting lawyers on a possible petition.
“Reports of cadre intimidation and the conduct of state agents during campaigns have added to the mistrust,” he said.
A teacher who worked as a polling assistant and asked not to be named for fear of losing her job shared her concerns.
“We just want ECZ to show us that what was announced at polling stations matches what was declared. Without that, people will keep doubting the process,” the teacher said.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia declared UPND’s Chrizoster Phiri, Sydney Mushanga and Percy Chato as winners in Kabwe Central, Bwacha South and North respectively, with Garry Domingo announced as Kabwe mayor.
The results had been disputed by the opposition and some residents who point to inconsistencies in forms and tallies.
NRPUP Kabwe Central candidate Patrick Chishala urged supporters to remain calm.
“For now, we are still in a state of disbelief at how this particular election has been managed by ECZ. We are yet to meet as leaders to chart the way forward. So our supporters are advised to wait in peace and tranquility,” he said.
UPND supporters poured onto the streets in a celebratory frenzy after the presidential results were declared just after 02:00 hours yesterday.
