Election violence threatens turnout

Violence during Zambia’s election campaign could frighten people away from the polls, a watchdog said Wednesday, on the eve of voting in a country known for its relative stability. A tense presidential race between the two leading candidates, incumbent Edgar Lungu and businessman Hakainde Hichilema, has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The Zambian […]

Violence during Zambia’s election campaign could frighten people away from the polls, a watchdog said Wednesday, on the eve of voting in a country known for its relative stability.
A tense presidential race between the two leading candidates, incumbent Edgar Lungu and businessman Hakainde Hichilema, has been marked by clashes between rival supporters.
The Zambian Elections Information Centre (ZEIC) said at least three people had been killed and many injured during the campaign.
“Tensions were high between political party supporters,” the ZEIC said in its pre-election report released in the capital Lusaka on Wednesday.
“Escalating levels of violence may have a negative impact on the elections and reduce voter turnout.”
“Political cadres have increasingly become unruly to the extent that they have shown no regard for law enforcement agents,” it added.