Riots erupt in Zambia over vote delays

2011-09-21 09:08:24 GMT+7 (ICT)

LUSAKA (BNO NEWS) -- At least four people were arrested and several vehicles were damaged on Tuesday after angry mobs protested over delays in opening a number of polling stations in Zambia, according to media reports.

According to police and eyewitnesses, electoral materials were burnt and around 10 vehicles were destroyed during the riots. In the capital Lusaka, a vehicle carrying electoral materials was set ablaze by frustrated opposition electorates, Africa Review reported.

"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 Ndandula Siamana, spokesperson of the Zambia Police service.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia said the delay in opening polling stations was because six ballot boxes were stolen in Lilanda township. The European Union (EU) election observation mission acknowledged that there were some isolated events due to the late arrival of electoral materials.

Maria Muniz De Urquiza, the EU chief observer, said the problems had been solved and polling stations had been opened. "The impression we have is that everything is going mostly well and in a peaceful manner," Urquiza, who is leading a delegation of 120 observers countrywide, said.

Meanwhile, main opposition leader Michael Sata claimed that there could be no free and fair elections where there was 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 in eastern Zambia, Africa Review reported.

Zambia kicked off its tripartite elections on Tuesday morning. Voters are expected to elect a president, lawmakers and local government leaders.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-09-21

Hi all I am working in Zambia and have heard that its going off just down the road I am in the north west any body read any thing else

What was the mood like in the run up to the election? Was it tense, or does this problem look like an aberration?

Good luck to the good folk back in Zambia....The "King Cobra" is the new elected President!! OMFG where in the world does a man with a nick name like that(for obvious reasons) become a Republican President!

Zimbabwe here we come!!!!!! Sata and Mugabe wonderful mates!

Good luck to the good folk back in Zambia....The "King Cobra" is the new elected President!! OMFG where in the world does a man with a nick name like that(for obvious reasons) become a Republican President!

Zimbabwe here we come!!!!!! Sata and Mugabe wonderful mates!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15029463