Zambia Suspends Vote Counting After Election Violence and Ballot Theft Reports

Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the counting of votes following reports of violence and ballot paper theft a day after the country held presidential and parliamentary elections, raising uncertainty over when official results will be announced.

The decision came after incidents targeting election officials and polling centres in several areas, prompting electoral authorities to halt the counting process while they assess the security situation.

President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term in office and entered the election as the perceived frontrunner against opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who is contesting his first presidential election.

Vote Counting Halted Amid Security Concerns

Speaking in Lusaka, Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the Electoral Commission had suspended the counting of ballots after receiving reports of attacks on election personnel and the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes.

According to Kasaro, the suspension will be reviewed within 24 hours as authorities evaluate conditions and determine whether counting can safely resume.

The commission did not indicate whether the interruption would delay the official declaration of results, which had been expected on Monday.

Rival Candidates Claim Momentum

Even before the suspension was announced, both leading candidates expressed confidence about the outcome.

President Hichilema urged Zambians to remain calm and patient while awaiting the official results. In a message posted on social media, he said he had received encouraging reports but emphasized that only the Electoral Commission has the authority to announce the final outcome.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Brian Mundubile declared victory based on information his campaign said it had received from polling stations and vote tabulation centres. He called for the immediate release of official presidential results, although he did not provide evidence to support his claim.

No Official Winner Yet

The Electoral Commission has not announced any official national results, although preliminary constituency level counts have begun to emerge.

Election officials have reiterated that the counting process remains under the commission’s control and have urged political parties and supporters to avoid spreading unverified claims while the process continues.

The suspension has intensified public attention as Zambia waits for an official outcome.

Election Follows Tense Campaign

The election campaign unfolded amid concerns from some civil society organisations and opposition groups over what they described as increasing political pressure and restrictions on opposition activities.

The Zambian government rejected those allegations, maintaining that the electoral process remained free and lawful.

Although Zambia has a long history of holding regular multiparty elections that are generally peaceful, isolated incidents of election related violence have occurred in previous polls.

Focus Turns to Electoral Commission

With the vote counting temporarily suspended, attention now shifts to the Electoral Commission’s review over the coming day.

Its decision will determine when counting resumes and whether the original timeline for announcing the presidential result can still be met.

Political observers are urging restraint from all parties while awaiting verified results from the electoral authority.

TVOA Perspective

Peaceful, transparent elections remain one of the strongest foundations of democratic governance. While temporary disruptions can test public confidence, strong institutions, respect for electoral processes and civic patience are essential to preserving stability. As one of Africa’s longstanding multiparty democracies, Zambia’s ability to resolve electoral challenges through lawful institutions will continue to shape confidence in its democratic future. Africa’s democratic journey is still evolving, and each peaceful resolution strengthens the continent’s future.

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