ECZ ‘Not Familiar’ With Internet Shutdown

The Electoral Commission (ECZ) of Zambia have announced that they are not familiar with the various internet shutdowns which occurred on Thursday, the day of the 2021 general elections.

Speaking during a question and answer session at Mulungushi International Conference centre, the ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Kryticous Patrick Nshindano said that he was “not familiar” with the internet shutdowns which occurred on Thursday. The shutdowns resulted in social media outlets such as WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook to suddenly become inaccessible.

Mr Nshindano went on to explain that he supposedly does not have any “social media” accounts, which is why he was not familiar with the shutdown.

In spite of this, it has been possible for individuals outside of the country, who are not at all impacted by the shutdowns, to be aware of the connectivity issues which have occurred. The incidents were reported in a variety of national and international media outlets over the course of the day.

Subsequently, questions have been raised as to the legitimacy of Mr Nshindano’s statement on the matter, revealing possible links between the ECZ and the ruling Patriotic Front who are also yet to comment on the situation which occurred. By contrast, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Hakainde Hichilema has called upon ZICTA to “immediately unblock the internet in order that citizens follow the electoral process without undue restrictions.”