Malawians ready to vote in Zambian elections despite threats

Malawians have vowed to go to Zambia and vote during the country’s August 11 elections despite threats from Zambian politicians.

A Zambian newspaper, The Post, quoted village headman Chisamba of Mchinji who said he is ready to vote in the country’s elections arguing that Zambian authorities allowed him to register for the August 11 elections.

Chisamba and other Malawians showed the paper their Zambian registration cards and voter cards.

The villagers also hold Malawian voter cards.

They claimed that Zambians also come to Malawi to vote hence what they are doing is not new.

However, a concerned Zambian has told Malawi24 that the Malawians are risking their lives since the situation in Zambia may not be as friendly to foreigners when the elections get closer.

The Zambian,  Chrissy Kanenga Matimba, said tempers in Zambia are already high due to the conduct of the country’s electoral body hence the issue of the foreigners will only add salt to the wound.

“Warn those that if they dare step into our nation with the intention to come and vote, they’ll do so at their own risk. This goes to all other foreigners that may have been duped and bribed to register as voters in our country, come at your own risk. You may live to learn what a Zambian is capable of doing if pushed to the extreme,” Matimba said.

Incumbent President Edgar Lungu faces a stiff challenge from main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in the presidential election on August 11.