Riots erupt in Zambian capital as voters protest over material delay

Riots erupted in Zambia’s capital today with electoral materials burnt and almost 10 vehicles damaged over delayed opening of polling stations.

Zambia’s main opposition leader Michael Sata said there can be no free and fair elections where there is injustice and late delivery of electoral materials.

President Rupiah Banda, who is seeking his second but first full five-year term, said he was relieved to have voted in his homeland of Chipata in eastern Zambia.

In Lusaka, a vehicle carrying electoral materials was set ablaze by “frustrated” opposition electorate.

‘‘Yes electoral materials were burnt. Though we are not yet too sure but some of the things that were burnt were ballot booths, registers and the aprons,” said Ms Ndandula Siamana, spokesperson of the Zambia Police service.

“It (riot) was because of the delayed opening of polling stations (in Lilanda compound). Five vehicles were damaged. Now the situation is calm and riot police officers are on the ground,’’ said Ms Siamana.

The delay of opening polling stations was because six ballot boxes were stolen in Lilanda township and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) was trying to replace the same and that ignited the fracas.

The head of police in Lusaka said at least four people were arrested, though eyewitnesses said more people were apprehended.

The situation is still tense in the city with sporadic riots reported in Kanyama and other townships.

An eyewitness, Martin Sakala, said at least four vehicles, including a government one, were burnt while others had their glasses broken and are packed at Kanyama police station. Lusaka is Mr Sata’s stronghold though the Banda team claims it has recaptured the capital.

PF vice-president, Guy Scott, who is also running as parliamentary candidate for Lusaka Central, said the “disturbances are due to frustration.

“People have been waiting for weeks to cast their vote, they have arrived at polling stations at 02:00hours, 03:00hours in the morning itching to cast their vote and then they are told, ‘no, sorry the polling station is not opening’,” Dr Scott said.

“The looting that follows can either be spontaneous or it can even be provoked. It’s very easy to provoke people who are very frustrated.’’

He expressed displeasure at the delays in opening the polling stations and delivery of electoral materials, describing the process as “a shamble”.

‘What we are wondering is whether this is a deliberate attempt to bring down the PF vote in Lusaka because it’s the major contributor to the national score or whether it’s just incompetence,” said Dr Scott.

European Union (EU) elections observation mission head acknowledged that “there are some isolated incidents due to the late arrival of electoral materials in a few constituencies – in Kanyama and Lilanda (townships).

‘‘It seems these problems have been solved, polling stations have been opened and people have been allowed to vote, said Maria Muniz De Urquiza, the EU chief observer.”

The impression we have is that everything is going mostly well and in a peaceful manner,” said Ms Urquiza, who is leading a delegation of 120 observers countrywide.In Chipata – about 570 km east of Lusaka, after voting, President Banda told reporters he was happy to cast his ballot.”

I feel very relieved. I felt like I had carried a big load of vote which I wanted to express myself,” said 74-year-old Banda, who is facing his toughest political contest from age-mate Sata.

“I feel very good and I am particularly happy that I have voted here where I used to live with all the people that I used to live with and thus a wonderful experience.”

Everyone should go and vote, urged President Banda, adding: “voting is louder than words”.