Harry Kalaba casts his vote, praises voter turnout

Citizens First (CF) and Orange Alliance presidential candidate Harry Kalaba cast his ballot at the Linda Push Polling Station in Lusaka's densely populated Linda township. Accompanied by his wife, Mr. Kalaba arrived at the polling center to fulfill his civic duty, drawing considerable attention from local media and enthusiastic supporters gathered outside the perimeter. Speaking to journalists and onlookers shortly after completing the voting process, Mr. Kalaba emphasized the gravity of civic responsibility. He noted that participating in the democratic exercise is a fundamental duty for every eligible Zambian seeking to shape the nation's governance trajectory. The opposition leader took the opportunity to commend the high spirits and turnout observed among voters who lined up patiently across various stations. Mr. Kalaba's address quickly pivoted to a strong appeal for national unity, calm, and institutional respect. He stressed that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) must be granted the unhindered space required to complete the intricate collation and verification process. According to the CF leader, the eventual declaration day should serve as a moment of collective celebration rather than division, reminding the public that national ties run far deeper than partisan affiliations. Highlighting the fragility and resilience of democratic frameworks, Mr. Kalaba urged all political competitors and their followers to exercise utmost restraint. He reiterated that democracy thrives only when stakeholders respect institutional integrity and remain patient as official results are compiled. The call for peace echoes similar sentiments shared by election observation coalitions and civic groups monitoring the nationwide exercise. As the day progressed, security and administrative watchdogs noted that while minor logistical delays characterized the opening hours of a few polling stations, the overall electoral environment remained largely peaceful. Mr. Kalaba's ca