Zambia suspends election count amid violence and ballot theft claims
Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro cites targeted violence against staff and missing marked papers, while President Hakainde Hichilema urges patience ahead of Monday’s final results.
Zambia’s electoral commission has suspended the counting of votes for presidential and parliamentary elections for at least 24 hours following reports of violence and the theft of marked ballot papers. The decision, announced by Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro on Friday, affects polls held on Thursday across the copper-rich southern African nation. Kasaro stated that the violence was specifically targeted at poll staff and had resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes in some districts.
The suspension comes as opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, running under the newly formed NRPUP party, claimed a first-round victory at both presidential and parliamentary levels. Mundubile expressed grave concern over the delay in the transparent announcement and verification of results, asserting that his party had secured the presidency and a majority of seats in parliament. The commission has indicated it will review the suspension decision within a day.
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who has held power since 2021, urged citizens to remain peaceful, patient, and patriotic while awaiting the official outcome. Posting on social media, the 64-year-old tycoon noted that his team was receiving encouraging results. Official presidential results are expected to be released on Monday, with Hichilema seeking a final five-year term based on his administration’s record of securing debt restructuring and restoring an International Monetary Fund programme.
Security agencies have moved to address alleged interference in the electoral process. The interior ministry reported the arrest of several suspects, including three former senior government officials accused of providing technical services aimed at disrupting the electoral system. A 56-year-old Kenyan national was also taken into custody. Additionally, three other individuals, including a former provincial minister, were summoned to assist with an investigation after being found in possession of more than 7.3 million kwacha.
The Zambia Human Rights Commission confirmed it was actively monitoring arrests and detentions involving political candidates, supporters, and journalists. The election, which saw some 8.7 million registered voters electing 226 parliamentary seats, took place against a backdrop of economic hardship and persistent poverty. Despite recent economic recovery efforts, more than 70 percent of the population lives on less than three US dollars a day, a legacy of the sovereign default left by the previous administration of former president Edgar Lungu.
