Voters Should Stay Strong In Long Queues

With reports of long wait times outside polling stations in Lusaka and other urban areas, voters are encouraged to stay strong and hold their place in line. Those who get in the queue to vote before 18:00 are legally guaranteed a chance to cast their ballots.

Zambians have been queueing to vote in large numbers since the early hours of the morning, however there are concerns many will be put off by the long wait times, largely caused by the introduction of biometric voter verification. 

In particular, observers are worried about the slow processing of voters in opposition and urban areas, prompting fears of a deliberate ‘go-slow’ in these locations as voters are being processed much faster in PF strongholds. 

The introduction of biometric voting was announced only this month by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, with polling agents given very little time to train for using the machines.  Analysts Nicole Beardsworth and Nic Cheeseman have warned this will put off opposition voters, who are being asked to provide biometric data at the last minute, and may also slow down and deter voting in areas where support for the UPND appears to be growing. 

Voters are therefore urged to hold their place in the queue and to be patient during the long wait. Those who have already voted are encouraged to help others exercise their right, either by bringing food and water to those in the queue, or by holding places in line for citizens who may not be able to wait for several hours at a time.