Staff Reporter
ZAMBIA has suspended the counting and announcement of election results nationwide following reports of violence targeting election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes in some districts.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced the suspension with immediate effect on Friday, citing the prevailing security situation and continued threats of violence during the counting and announcement of results.
ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the violence had targeted polling staff and, in some cases, resulted in marked ballot papers being stolen from ballot boxes.
She said the decision was taken in accordance with Section 67(3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.
“The Commission has, with immediate effect, suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country,” Zaloumis said.
The ECZ said it would review the suspension within 24 hours.
The suspension means the counting and announcement of results will remain on hold until the Commission makes a further determination.
Zambia held presidential, parliamentary and local government elections on Thursday, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term after taking office in 2021.
Hichilema is seeking re-election after his administration steered the major copper-producing country through a debt crisis. Analysts have regarded him as the frontrunner, although leading opposition candidate Brian Mundubile has attracted large crowds in some areas.
The full election results had previously been expected to be announced on Monday, although it was not immediately clear whether the suspension would affect that timeline.
Sources: Reuters/ZNBC Today/Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)
