Culture

Australian Voters Show Their Frustration By Casting Their Support Behind Harambe The Gorilla

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Getty Image / Twitter

Australia went to the polls on Saturday, the conclusion of the nation’s longest election campaign since the 1960s according to The Daily Dot, and it would seem that the polling finally got to some of the populace. Since Australia has compulsory voting, but loose rules on the types of votes that may be counted, many decided to draw penises, vote for Harry Potter characters, and even drop a vote for Beyonce into the mix. But the standout on election day has to be Harambe, the gorilla who tragically died after a child fell into its enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo.

The response to Harambe’s death was mixed, with some saying it was the only option and others crying foul. No matter, Harambe became a bit of a meme overnight and was actually mourned as one of 2016’s major losses — even if he’s being knocked out by Ali in that one tweet.

https://twitter.com/WORLDSTAR/status/740046957595369474/photo/1

https://twitter.com/shutupmikeginn/status/739517534169227264

But it’s in Australia that Harambe gets a chance to shine again, this time as the people’s choice for control over the nation’s government. And one hero, Hedge76, seems to be getting credit for making this a thing for the people to rally behind. They’ve been quoted in The Guardian and The Independent, injecting the election with the spirit it deserves — and the kind that no candidate in history has received.

https://twitter.com/Hedge76/status/749101669074415616

https://twitter.com/Hedge76/status/749083325386534913

Several heard the call and took to Harambe in their own ways. It’s gallows humor at its finest and a creative way to show frustration with an election that technically still hasn’t ended — there’s still no clear winner and the true tally won’t be known until Tuesday.

https://twitter.com/lnfomerciaIs/status/749468152438763520

https://twitter.com/Geoff_Masters/status/748948551082733569

https://twitter.com/turbothot/status/749116192393031681

https://twitter.com/lavozdelos8O/status/749168687064592384

https://twitter.com/llewstevens/status/749188935859875840

https://twitter.com/Rob_Stott/status/749183056150355971

The Independent reached out for a few comments on why people decided to vote for Harambe, getting some interesting replies in return:

In response a journalist for the Independent in the United Kingdom, May Bulman, who had inquired to ask “why are you voting for Harambe” for a story, “@worstbloke” replied: “this election has no one with the courage, prowess & status Harambe has. He died for our sins & will return, I love him”.

https://twitter.com/Hedge76/status/749392970286116864

If anything, this has become a peak moment for an internet meme. Not since dickbutt or #TeaLizard has something exited the grimy halls of the internet to find a place in real society. It also gave people another chance to say goodbye to Harambe, Cecil the Lion, and many others.

https://twitter.com/chi_corgi/status/748570581855936512

https://twitter.com/DetInspector/status/749507223265611776

And as for the memes and jokes surrounding Harambe, they continue to be very dark and very funny. Never forget.

https://twitter.com/RIPMarkusJ/status/749327302257831936

(Via Mashable / Daily Dot / The Independent / The Guardian)

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