SOCIAL MEDIA HYPE, OPINION POLLS AND RALLY TURNOUT PROVE A DUD At the end of it all it appears the social media hype, questionable opinion polls and rally turnout were not a factor in deciding the current trends. The real voter seems to be speaking their mind especially those who braved the rains to make sure they are heard. The current trend suggests that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) are leading by a wide margin and have taken Copperbelt, Muchinga, Luapula, Northern and Central Province. The PF have taken a lead in Lusaka province as well. The Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) have taken Southern, Northwestern and are poised to take Western Province. Sample results from Chililabombwe where PF have taken 75.7% of the vote opposed to the UPNDs 21.7 % are an indication of the trend on the Copperbelt. In Solwezi UPND has thrashed the ruling party convincingly as it has brought in 4,318 votes against PF’s 813 votes. At last total count the figures stood at (PF) 191, 857 votes and (UPND) 65,806 votes. Other final declared counts of the two front runner parties by returning officers but not yet declared by the ECZ are as follows: Kabwe Central Constituency (PF) 11,763, (UPND) 4,957 - Kabushi Constituency in Ndola (PF) 12,475 (UPND) 2,762 - Ndola Central (PF) 12,610 (UPND) 4662 - Chifubu Constituency (PF) 11817 (UPND) 3422 Mwansabombwe Constituency (PF) 4,548 (UPND) 421. Livingstone Constituency (PF) 8,352 (UPND) 19,125, Kanfinsa Constituency (PF)8, 983 (UPND) 2,231, Chimwemwe Constituency (PF)13, 680 (UPND) 3,080 Lusaka Central Constituency (PF) 15,077 (UPND) 9,190 Munali Constituency Totaling Center (PF) 27, 296 (UPND) 14,366 Kabwata Constituency (PF)19,704, (UPND) 10,069 With the Electoral Commission of Zambia due to hold a briefing at 09;00 hrs more information will be available, though the true picture will only start being clearer at the 12:00 hrs briefing. On Sunday 18th December 2015, local private broadcaster Muvi TV released opinion polls it claimed represented the trends of its viewers. The most cited opinion poll for this election was a highly controversial poll conducted by Muvi TV, putting Hichilema at over 80% and Lungu at 6%. Another interesting angle to the election has been how named parties have been creating a pretext of disputing the results whilst declaring they will win. Hakainde Hichilema who emerged from casting his vote expressed reservations about how free and fair the election would be whilst having been controversially the first on record to have declared he has already won the elections. ECZ Director of Elections Mrs. Priscilla Isaacs has had a considerably tough job managing perceptions and dealing with the practical difficulties of the election. Last night she was at pains to demonstrate what a mammoth task it was to try and satisfy every stakeholder whilst maintaining the integrity and independence of the Electoral body.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 06:12:38 +0000
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