Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the nationwide counting of votes following reports of attacks on election officials and the alleged theft of marked ballot papers.
The suspension came on Friday, a day after Zambians voted in presidential, parliamentary and local elections. Counting had begun immediately after polling stations closed, but no official presidential results had been announced before the process was halted.
Electoral Commission Cites ViolenceThe electoral commission said the decision followed reports of violence that had allegedly resulted in marked ballot papers being stolen from ballot boxes. It said the suspension would take effect nationwide and that the situation would be reviewed within 24 hours.
The commission had previously set a target of announcing the election results by the end of Sunday, although that deadline was set by the commission itself and is not required by law.
Opposition Raises Concerns Main opposition candidate Brian Mundubile had earlier expressed concern over the delay in announcing presidential results. Mundubile called for results to be published polling station by polling station and urged authorities to protect the chain of custody of ballot boxes. He also raised allegations of military involvement at some tallying centres and called for investigations into reported irregularities.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second five-year term, urged Zambians to remain peaceful and patient while awaiting the official results. Hichilema and Mundubile Lead Contest The election featured 14 presidential candidates, but the race was largely viewed as a contest between incumbent President Hichilema and Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.
Hichilema, 64, won the 2021 election after five previous attempts and is seeking a second and final term. His administration has highlighted debt restructuring, a stronger currency, lower inflation and infrastructure development. However, economic difficulties and concerns over jobs and living standards have affected his popularity.
Mundubile, a former minister under the Patriotic Front government, has sought to capitalise on public dissatisfaction. His political alliance has also attracted support from supporters of former President Edgar Lungu. Election Draws International Attention More than eight million registered voters were eligible to participate in Thursday’s elections, which also covered parliamentary and local government positions.
Voting was largely peaceful, with long queues reported in several parts of the country and some isolated delays and procedural problems. The election is being closely watched as a test of Zambia’s democratic reputation amid concerns over political freedoms and the conduct of the electoral process.If no presidential candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, Zambia’s electoral rules require a runoff within 37 days.
