Observers say Zambia’s election marred by reports of intimidation, violence

What the report says

International observers said Zambia’s presidential election has been affected by reports of intimidation, abductions and violence, as vote counting continued after a brief suspension. Al Jazeera reported that the pause on Friday followed allegations of attacks on polling staff, ballot-paper theft and other security threats in several areas, before the electoral commission said the danger had been contained and counting resumed.

The election, held on Thursday, pits incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second term with the ruling United Party for National Development, against Brian Mundubile, a former minister running for the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity. Both camps traded accusations over the disruption, with Mundubile warning of possible manipulation and Hichilema’s allies rejecting those claims.

Observer missions from the European Union and the Southern African Development Community urged calm and said the pause had created uncertainty. SADC said it had received reports it could not verify of intimidation, assault, abduction and property damage across five provinces. The EU mission said authorities should explain the suspension, while the European Parliament delegation described the interruption as disproportionate and said it had heard concerns about pressure on opposition figures.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia later released partial results showing Hichilema ahead, though it stressed the count was not final. Al Jazeera also reported a heavy security presence in parts of Lusaka and said final results timing remained unclear. As general context, Zambia has often been viewed as one of southern Africa’s more stable democracies, which is why disputes around the vote have drawn close regional attention.