Zambia's presidential election has entered a tense phase after opposition leader Brian Mundubile declared victory despite the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) suspending vote counting due to violence and irregularities.
Mundubile, representing the National Revolution Party (NRPUP) and leading the Tonse Alliance, announced his win based on data collected through a Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT) system across polling stations. His declaration came a day after the August 13 vote, while the ECZ halted the tallying process following reports of attacks on election officials and stolen ballot boxes.
Expressing concern over delays in official results, Mundubile accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of resorting to foreign interference, specifically alleging the use of tactics imported from Tanzania. He warned Tanzanians allegedly involved in Zambian politics to leave the country, emphasizing that such methods would not succeed in Zambia.
The ECZ chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, confirmed the suspension of vote counting nationwide, citing security threats and violence targeting polling staff and the theft of marked ballots. The commission plans to review the suspension within 24 hours as mandated by the Electoral Process Act.
The political climate remains fraught, with both the Tonse Alliance and UPND trading accusations amid ongoing unrest. The UPND has also accused Mundubile of treason following his unilateral victory claim.
Meanwhile, incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, seeking a second term, urged citizens to remain calm and patient as official results are awaited. He highlighted reports of peace and unity in many areas as votes continue to be counted.
With over eight million registered voters, Zambia’s election outcome will significantly shape the country's political future amid these heightened tensions.
