Vote counting in Zambia’s presidential election has been suspended by the Electoral Commission of Zambia due to reports of attacks on polling officials and the theft of some ballot papers. The commission announced the immediate suspension, citing "the security situation and continued threats of violence," and indicated it would review the decision within 24 hours.
The suspension comes as the main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, claimed victory. Mundubile suggested that the delay could create an "opportunity for interference with or manipulation of the results." He alleged that military members had taken control of vote counting stations in at least one town and that ballot boxes had been removed from stations elsewhere, though he did not provide evidence for these claims. No unrest was observed in the capital, Lusaka.
Zambia, which transitioned to a multiparty democracy in 1991, has generally experienced peaceful elections. However, President Hakainde Hichilema faced criticism from opposition parties and independent rights groups ahead of Thursday’s vote, with accusations that his administration was suppressing dissent. Mundubile's alliance previously accused the government of orchestrating a law enforcement raid on its offices days before the election, an action they claimed was intended to hinder their campaign.
President Hichilema was seeking a second term in the election held in the copper-rich southern African nation. Results were initially anticipated by Monday, though the electoral commission had noted they could be announced sooner. Hichilema competed against 13 other candidates, with Mundubile, the leader of an opposition alliance, considered his strongest challenger. Voters also cast ballots for members of Parliament and local councilors. Approximately 8 million of Zambia's 22 million residents were registered to vote at over 13,500 polling stations.
The election was viewed as a referendum on Hichilema's economic reforms and their impact on public sentiment amid widespread concern over the cost of living. While Hichilema is credited with stabilizing the economy following a 2020 debt crisis, critics argue that his reforms have not yet sufficiently improved the financial situation for ordinary Zambians struggling with high living costs and electricity shortages.