Green in Outside, Red on Inside: Why Zambia Opposition uses watermelon as symbol

The watermelon: Green on the outside, red on the inside

Green in Outside, Red on Inside: Why Zambia Opposition uses watermelon as symbol

In Kenya, oranges have been proudly displayed as the symbol for the Orange Democratic Movement and now in Zambia the watermelon is getting a political makeover.

As the country draws closer to elections on 12 August, the fruit is getting lots of mentions by the opposition.

Why? You may ask. It all has to do with party colours.

The colour of the governing party, the Patriotic Front (PF), is green, while that of the largest opposition – the United Party for National Development (UPND) – is red.

In the run-up to the vote there have been incidents of violence on both sides.

The UPND is saying that its members in party colours are being targeted. As a result, it is encouraging its members to get hold of PF merchandise and disguise their identity.

In short, wear PF green on the outside but remain red inside – like a watermelon.

In 2011, the PF used a similar tactic, asking its supporters to get money from the-then governing Movement for Multiparty Democracy but make sure they vote PF.