Zambia: Zambia Suspends Vote Counting Nationwide Amid Violence, Ballot Theft Reports

What the report says

Zambia’s Electoral Commission has temporarily suspended counting and announcing election results nationwide after reports of violence at some tallying centres and allegations that marked ballot papers were stolen from ballot boxes. The decision was announced on August 14 in Lusaka, one day after Zambians voted in general elections for president, parliament and other offices.

According to the commission, election officials were among those affected by the unrest, and the security situation prompted it to halt the process under the country’s electoral law. The ECZ said the pause is not permanent and that it will review conditions within 24 hours before deciding when tallying can resume. The move raised uncertainty over the original timetable for announcing the presidential result.

The suspension comes as the country awaits the outcome of a closely watched contest in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second five-year term. Opposition politician Brian Mundubile has already claimed victory, though official results had not been released. He has also raised concerns about delays and alleged military involvement, claims that have not been verified by the electoral authorities.

More than eight million people were registered to vote, and the election has been closely followed because of economic pressures including living costs, unemployment, electricity shortages and debt restructuring. The report also noted separate allegations of attempts to alter official results forms at some tally centres, though those claims remain unconfirmed.