Zambia suspends vote counting after alleged attacks on polling staff

Zambia's Electoral Commission has immediately suspended the counting of votes from Thursday's presidential, parliamentary and local elections across the country. The authority said it was concerned by reports of violence that had led to the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes, as well as attacks on poll staff.

President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second five-year term. His main opponent is Brian Mundubile, who is one of 13 challengers in the race.

Counting began as soon as polling stations closed on Thursday, but no official results had been declared before the halt. The commission had previously set a target to announce results by the end of Sunday. In a statement on Friday, it said it would review the decision to suspend the count within the next 24 hours.

Just hours before the commission's statement, Mundubile expressed grave concern over the delay in announcing presidential results, warning that the delay could create opportunities for interference or manipulation. He cited deeply troubling reports from several areas, including alleged military involvement at tallying centres and allegations concerning the movement of ballot boxes. He called for the immediate publication of results polling station by polling station, protection of the chain of custody, and investigations into the reported incidents.

President Hichilema, meanwhile, urged Zambians to remain peaceful, patient and patriotic as they await the official outcome from those entrusted with managing the vote.