Zambia’s electoral body has stopped counting votes and announcing results across the country following reports of violence targeting election staff.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia announced the suspension on Friday, Aug 14, saying several districts saw attacks on officials during the post-election process. Officials at a press briefing in Lusaka said marked ballot papers were also taken from ballot boxes in some areas. The commission said it will review the decision within 24 hours.
Voters went to the polls on Thursday for presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term. He came to power in 2021 and has overseen Zambia’s exit from a debt crisis as one of Africa’s top copper producers. Analysts had tipped him as the favorite. His main challenger, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, has also pulled big crowds on the campaign trail.
Results were originally expected by Monday. It is now unclear if that timeline will hold.
