THE voting is done. What remains is perhaps the most delicate part of the electoral process: counting, verification, tabulation and the announcement of results. This is the moment when Zambia must summon its greatest democratic strength; patience.

Counting the presidential by-elections of 2008 and 2015, this is the 15th time Zambia has held a presidential poll since independence, and the 10th competitive presidential election since the return to multiparty democracy in 1991. Through all these elections, including some bitterly contested ones, Zambia has never descended into election-related war. That is a record worth protecting.

That is the nature of Zambians. We may have big mouths. We may injure one another with words, insult each other over politics and argue passionately about our preferred candidates. But it is not in our nature to shed blood for politicians. Deep down, we have always understood one simple truth: there is no election worth dying for. That spirit must guide us over the next couple of days as the Electoral Commission of Zambia completes its work.

Already, preliminary figures have been circulating from polling stations and constituencies. Some will be genuine. Others may be incomplete, wrongly added, deliberately manipulated or completely fabricated. WhatsApp groups are flooded with numbers. Political parties will compile their own parallel figures. Supporters will calculate margins and declare trends. But citizens must understand that preliminary results are exactly that, just preliminary.

Those whose preferred candidate appears to have taken an early lead must resist the temptation to erupt into premature celebrations. Do not pour into the streets declaring victory before the process is complete. Equally, supporters of candidates who appear to be trailing must not despair, become angry or immediately conclude that the election has been stolen simply because early returns are unfavourable.
As football is played for at least 90 minutes, an election is not over until the last relevant vote has been counted, verified and announced. The order in which constituencies report can also create misleading impressions. A candidate may initially lead because results have arrived first from areas where that candidate is strong, only for the picture to change as results from other parts of the country come in. Early arithmetic must therefore never become an excuse for celebration, intimidation or violence.

Political leaders carry an even heavier responsibility. Candidates must tell their supporters to remain calm. If there are legitimate complaints about figures, rejected ballots, tallying or procedure, Zambia has institutions and legal mechanisms through which those grievances can be pursued. No political dispute should be settled with stones, pangas, fists or fire.

The police, too, must exercise restraint. Their task during this sensitive period is to preserve peace, protect citizens and electoral facilities, and enforce the law impartially. Heavy-handed policing can turn anxiety into confrontation just as irresponsible political mobilisation can.

We also urge ECZ to communicate regularly and transparently. Silence creates an information vacuum, and an information vacuum is quickly occupied by rumours. Where there are delays, explain them. Where figures are disputed, clarify them. Confidence in the final result depends not only on accuracy, but also on a process that citizens can follow and understand.

Yesterday, Zambians spoke through the ballot. Today, our duty is to allow those ballots to speak. Whether your candidate is leading or trailing, remain peaceful. Be patient. Let every vote be counted and every lawful process completed.

There will be a Zambia after this election. There will be neighbours, workplaces, families and friendships after the winner is declared. Let us protect those relationships and networks.