Zambia's Electoral Commission (ECZ) has suspended the counting and announcement of election results nationwide following outbreaks of violence at several tallying centres. The commission cited escalating security threats and attacks on election personnel as the primary reasons for the suspension.
The incidents reportedly involved targeted aggression against polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes. ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zoloumis confirmed the decision on Friday, a day after voters cast ballots in presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.
"The violence is targeted at poll staff and in some instances has resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes," said Zoloumis. The commission did not specify the exact number of districts affected or the volume of ballots taken.
The suspension will remain in effect while the commission assesses the security situation nationwide, with a planned review within 24 hours.
Context of the Elections
Thursday's voting saw over eight million registered voters participate peacefully in selecting the president, members of Parliament, and local government representatives. The election was closely monitored as a significant test of Zambia's democratic integrity amid concerns over political freedoms.
Fourteen candidates contested the presidency, with the main competition between incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, seeking a second term, and opposition candidate Brian Mundubile.
Before the suspension, Mundubile expressed worries about delays in the results announcement and alleged irregularities, including military involvement and unauthorized movement of ballot boxes at some tally centres.
The commission had initially projected releasing final results by Monday, August 17.
