 And the African Union observers in Zambia's election signaled high tensions in the country following the Thursday vote to decide on the next leader. The mission also confirmed that there has been heightened friction between the incumbent ruling patriotic front party and the opposition United Party for National Development, UPND. The AU mission attributed this to tense politics fueled by misinformation from the media. Final consolidated results are expected to be declared by the end of the day on Sunday. The ballot is expected to be the tightest yet in the third successive standoff between 64-year-old President Edgar Lungu and veteran opposition candidate Hakinde Hitchilema. That's the 2021 general elections, two plays against a backdrop of heightened political tensions in the country, especially between the two major political parties. Despite this diversity, the media landscape remains polarized along political party lines. The campaign period witnessed a noticeable increase in hate speech and misinformation. NEWS OPDATES