Presidential vote counting halted in Zambia over attacks on polling staff

Zambia’s electoral commission has halted the tallying of votes from the recent presidential, parliamentary and local elections due to alleged assaults on polling staff. The halt is nationwide and immediate, in response to fears of violence that has led to the theft of marked ballot papers. President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking re-election, while the main opposition candidate is Brian Mundubile, among 13 other challengers.

The electoral commission aimed to announce the results by the end of Sunday, but counting began immediately after polling ended on Thursday. The commission will reassess its decision to suspend the count within 24 hours. Mundubile expressed deep concern over the delays, alleging military interference at polling centers and concerns over the movement of ballot boxes.

He called for immediate result publication, protection of the ballot chain of custody, and investigations into the reported incidents. Hichilema urged Zambians to remain peaceful and patient while awaiting the official results. The election marked a test of Zambia's democracy, with over eight million registered voters choosing a president, MPs, a new parliament and local councils.

Despite the contest being largely seen as a two-way race between Hichilema and Mundubile, Hichilema's popularity has been challenged due to perceived lack of improvement in citizens' circumstances. Mundubile, a former PF government minister, aims to capitalize on this dissatisfaction. Hichilema, 64, won the 2021 election on his sixth attempt and seeks job creation and infrastructure to secure a second term.

The election was seen as a referendum on his economic record, although Amnesty International criticized his government for restricting rights and freedoms leading up to the vote. Civil society monitors reported mostly orderly voting, although some incidents of delays and procedural issues occurred. International observers were present.