With Zambia’s pre-election violence and economic woes, the ‘political contest has never been this fierce’ say analysts.

The results are yet to be finalised but the Democratic Alliance leader is certain Tshwane is blue.

With less than a month before the local government elections, the ANC has pulled out all the stops to ensure it retains most of the big metros.

Despite a good turnout, the numbers are still well below a 10th of the estimated nine million people thought eligible but unregistered.

The big question is: Will people vote for another party, or will it be protests and strikes as usual?

The DA is completely out of touch with black voters, who are more likely to opt for the ANC or the Economic Freedom Fighters.

But the ruling party still has a core of ardent supporters in the town, who hope it will fulfil its promises.