Southern Province records low voter turnout

10 Views Southern Province is recording noticeably lower voter turnout, with shorter queues and faster processing at polling stations compared with several of the other nine provinces, where long lines of voters have been witnessed. The contrast is particularly striking as millions of Zambians continue to exercise their right to vote in today’s General Elections […]

10 Views

Southern Province is recording noticeably lower voter turnout, with shorter queues and faster processing at polling stations compared with several of the other nine provinces, where long lines of voters have been witnessed.

The contrast is particularly striking as millions of Zambians continue to exercise their right to vote in today’s General Elections for President, Parliament and local government.

A snap survey at selected polling stations in Monze, Choma and Kalomo showed no queues. Voters arriving at the centers were being verified and processed without delay.

At most stations visited by mid-morning, polling staff were calling voters forward as soon as they arrived. Party agents and observers were present, and materials were in place, but the flow of people was steady rather than heavy.

Southern Province has around 1,103,275 registered voters. As of late morning, election officials in the three districts said turnout appeared slower than in previous general elections, though voting was proceeding smoothly.

The slower pace stands in contrast to reports from Lusaka, the Copperbelt and Eastern Province, where voters formed long lines from as early as 05:00 hours.

Southern Province is widely considered a United Party for National Development stronghold. The party has historically drawn strong support in the province’s rural and urban constituencies.

In the run-up to today’s vote, the main opposition party held a virtual rally instead of campaigning on the ground in parts of the province, amid reported cases of violence and intimidation during the campaign period.

That environment, combined with the timing of voting on a weekday, may have contributed to the lower foot traffic observed at polling stations, according to voters and local officials who spoke at the centers.

Despite the subdued turnout, the voting process itself was described as calm. No major incidents were reported in Monze, Choma or Kalomo by mid-day.

Meanwhile, Chief Sekute of Kazungula District, Southern Province, has called on Zambians to maintain peace and unity during the electoral process.

Speaking after casting his vote at Sekute Polling Station, the traditional leader urged voters to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid violence, reminding citizens that elections should not divide communities.

“Elections come and go, but we remain one people,” Chief Sekute said. “Let us respect each other’s choices and protect the peace we enjoy in our communities.”

Chief Sekute further encouraged those who have not yet voted to turn up at polling stations and exercise their democratic right by voting for their preferred candidates.

“Do not stay home,” he said. “Go and vote. Your vote is your voice in deciding the leadership of this country.”

Early start at Sekute Polling Station

Voting at Sekute Polling Station began at exactly 06:00 hours.

Presiding Officer Boyd Simunda said voters gathered as early as 05:40 hours, reflecting an early turnout. By 07:00 hours, the initial group had been processed and the station settled into a steady rhythm with little waiting time.

“We opened on time and everything is orderly,” Mr. Simunda said. “The voters who came early were attended to quickly, and we are continuing to receive people throughout the morning.”

Observers at the station noted that party agents were seated with copies of the register and that security personnel were present but not interfering with voters.

Electoral Commission of Zambia officials in Southern Province said they were monitoring turnout across all constituencies. They noted that some rural polling centers typically see higher traffic in the afternoon, after farming and other activities.

The ECZ has urged voters to take advantage of the full voting day, which runs until the evening, to avoid any last-minute rush.

Regional observers deployed to Southern Province said the low queues had not affected the integrity of the process. Voting materials arrived on time, and procedures were being followed at the stations visited.

Historically, Southern Province has recorded strong voter participation, particularly in presidential and parliamentary elections.

Today’s slower start therefore drew attention from political analysts, who said it will be important to watch whether turnout picks up later in the day.

For now, the picture in Monze, Choma and Kalomo is one of efficiency rather than congestion. Voters who arrived found short lines, quick verification, and immediate access to ballot booths.

Across Zambia, more than 8 million voters are registered. Polling stations opened at 06:00 hours nationwide.

While some provinces are reporting huge turnout and long queues, Southern Province’s experience on Thursday morning has been notably different — calm, orderly, and with minimal waiting.

As voting continues through the afternoon, officials and traditional leaders alike are appealing to citizens to participate.

Chief Sekute’s message echoed that call: peace first, and then participation.

“Let us vote peacefully and let the will of the people prevail,” he said.