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Latest : ECZ puts Sata ahead of Rupiah in official results

Latest : ECZ puts Sata ahead of Rupiah in official results
By Chibaula Silwamba
Wed 21 Sep. 2011, 22:00 CAT

MICHAEL Sata has widened his lead ahead of President Rupiah Banda with almost
73, 000 votes difference from the 33 out of the 150 constituencies, ECZ chairperson Irene Mambilima confirmed Wednesday night.

And the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has shut down the results
component of its website following reports that it had published a summary
of 133 out of 150 constituencies.

Addressing a media briefing that the elections totalling centre in Lusaka,
Justice Irene Mambilima said the ECZ had received full results from 70 constituencies but had only verified those from 33 constituencies while
those from the other 37 were still being verified.

"From the 33 that we have so far verified, the position is as follows:

Mr Michael Sata 2 65, 843 representing 46.59 per cent,
Rupiah Banda MMD 192, 966 representing 33. 82 per cent,
Mr Hakainde Hichilema UPND 93, 645 representing 16.41 per cent,
Mr Elias Chipimo 1133 representing 0.32 per cent,
Ms Edith Nawakwi FDD 1631 representing 0.29 per cent,
Mr Tilyenji Kaunda 1412 representing 0.25 per cent,
Mr Charles Milupi 941 representing 0.16 per cent,
Mr Magande Ngandu 854 representing 0.15 per cent,
Miyanda Godfrey Heritage 715 representing 0.13 per cent,
Mr Mtesda Frederick ZED 326 representing 0.06 per cent,

"the electoral commission chairperson said.

She observed that as at now there had been a lot of speculation as to the
final outcome of the results.

She said the ECZ was the only institution that was mandated to announce the
final declaration of results.

She urged the media not to dwell on unsubstantiated stories which were given
to them.

Justice Mambilima appealed to media organisations to desist from publishing
alarming statements.

"Publication of false statements is an offence and contrary to the provisions of the electoral code of conduct," Justice Mambilima said.

"We have received a lot of queries this evening regarding a statement that is appearing on our website stating that the commission has announced and declared summarised results from 133 constituencies for the presidential election. This information is not correct. We have therefore shut down the results component of our website until we get to the root of this matter."

She said the ECZ hoped to receive all the results within a reasonable timeframe.

"The Commission is also happy to note that there are no further reports of incidences of violence across the country," said Justice Mambilima.

Labels: 2011 ELECTIONS, ECZ, MICHAEL SATA, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 12:35 AM