Zambia: Tweeps Celebrate Michael Sata's Victory

Michael Sata, the leader of the opposition Patriotic Front, is the new Zambian Republican President. Sata was sworn in by the Chief Justice Ernest Sakala today and handed the ceremonial presidential flag by the former president Rupiah Banda.

Zambian tweeps as well as other Africans on Twitter have joined thousands of Zambians who have been celebrating on the ground since last night. Here is a roundup of tweets congratulating Michael Sata and Zambia for being a model of democracy in Africa.

Supporters of presidential challenger Michael Sata take to the streets of Lusaka, Zambia. Image by Owen Miyanza, copyright Demotix (22/09/2011).
Supporters of presidential challenger Michael Sata take to the streets of Lusaka, Zambia. Image by Owen Miyanza, copyright Demotix (22/09/2011).

@chiume notes that Zambia has been led by four presidents in 20 years:

RT @munshyamunshya: Zambia is a model of democracy in Africa. Four Presidents in 20 years. #zambiaelections #bantuwatch

However, @KshitiDewan observes:

@chiume @munshyamunshya – 4 pres in 20yrs, but only mmd. exciting times #ZambiaElections #bantuwatch

@missbwaya asks:

@djcruzz Iwe mwana wa mu Bemba, ni chizungu cha bwanji ichi?[You Bemba child, what English language is this? ] “Which zambian president saved the shortest term?”

@ictjournalist reports:

All elected members of parliament invited to the inauguration ceremony of President Michael Sata #Bantuwatch #ZambiaElections

She also thanks the former president for the unfinished road in her neighborhood:

I thank RB [Rupiah Banda] for the unfinished tared road in Mandevu at least taxi can reach my place #BantuWatch #ZambiaElections

@missbwalya nominates Rupiah Banda for 2011 Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership:

2011 Nominee Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership (aka “for not pulling a Mugabe”)- Rupiah B. Banda, fmr president of Zambia.

She says Rupian Banda will retire to his farm:

@louisth16 He was only in office for 3 years; he's not entrenched. He'll leave & retire to his farm. @TrevorNcube @nguni_princess

@kenyanpundit wonders whether Sata's victory will change China-Africa dynamics:

So Michael Sata wins in Zambia, say hello to a shift in China – Africa dynamics?

@GNdhlovu writes:

“@afromode: @Mama_Kankasa I hope that we all remember the 90 day promise made by Mr Sata. #Zambia” If RB did it in 60 days, 90 is easy peasy

@afromode replies to @GNdhlovu tweet:

@GNdhlovu @Mama_Kankasa I think we'll quickly learn that President Sata can't deliver on most of his chest pounding rhetoric


Mobile subscribers jam mobile networks
as they share news of Sata's victory:

Communication jams as Zambians communicate the news abt Sata being the new President #BantuWatch

Does Zambia need a fierce or clueless president?:

“@Mama_Kankasa: @afromode I agree, thou fierce sata seems better than clueless rb” RB got it on silver platter! #zambiaelections

@Malawi2014 congratulates Rupiah Banda:

And congratulations & HE Rupiah Banda 4 accepting defeat in “His Excellency” manner-hope Africa will emulate u #zambiaelections #BantuWatch

Rupiah Banda has conceded defeat and congratulated Michael Sata during a farewell press conference in Lusaka.

@Malawi2014 congratulates Michael Sata as well:

Congratulations His Excellency Michael Sata for making it to State House – new chapter for the region – c u soon in Malawi #zambiaelections

@RosebellK shares a link to her blog post titled “A speech that Ugandans long for”:

A speech that Ugandans long for nblo.gs/ntQ5d #Uganda #Zambia

@agathanewton replies:

@RosebellK wow! at some point i thot Africa was eroded of morals and democracy. seems i was mistaken after all!

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