At least until the government's position began hardening, online activists had been calling for big demonstrations on workers' day, May 1st, and in particular on May 4th, the anniversary of the start of a patriotic movement protesting at concessions to Japan made at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.

ECONOMIST: Meanwhile, the government adjusts the thermostat

The other elements in the opposition coalition come from allies such as the mainstream Shia Amal movement, headed by parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, and the Free Patriotic Movement of the Christian leader Michel Aoun, once a fierce opponent of Syria but now reconciled with Damascus and likely to do well in many Christian areas.

BBC: How far will US support for Lebanon go?

An underground movement, the Barotse Patriotic Front, exists and has reportedly held talks with the Namibian Caprivians.

ECONOMIST: Africa��s pointing finger

Mr Banda's Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has ruled Zambia for 20 years and this was the fourth time Patriotic Front (PF) leader Mr Sata had run for the presidency.

BBC: Zambia election: Sata wins presidential race