Zambian Elections 2011
on A Zambian Experience (Zambia), 12/Aug/2011 15:41, 34 days ago
It's election time in Zambia and to be honest I feel pretty privilege to experience a major election during my 2 years of service in Africa.The subject of politics has come up a lot during my time here. With recent political changes sweeping North Africa and the recent unrest in Malawi, Zambia is also addressing its own political landscape as it gears up to the Tripartite elections to be held on 20th September. Many of my Zambian peers have registered to vote, however not all of them can tell me what the policies of the political parties are or who they will end up voting for. Despite that, many people have turned up at political rallies and marches up and down my town of Chipata, which is the birthplace and home town of the current president.As I type this entry, the sounds of my keyboard are being drowned out by the sounds of loud sirens, car engines and the cries of people marching on the streets in recognition of the election. The announcements from the loudspeakers and the jeering from the crowds are loud and high pitched. I’m not sure what is being said as I can hear people chanting in local languages so I’m not sure if they are shouting in support of the current president or if they are demanding for change. To be honest, I’m too nervous to go and find out, as the loud noise of the marches brings a nervous chill down my spine. I know Zambia is a peaceful nation, but I can’t help but feel slightly worried about the sight of huge crowds outside my compound and the sheer noise! It’s electrifying