Zambia suspends vote counting in election over reports of violence and the theft of ballot papers
LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — Vote counting in Zambia’s presidential election was suspended by the electoral authority Friday over reports of attacks on polling officials and the “theft” of some ballot papers. The Electoral Commission of Zambia said it was…
Zambia has halted vote counting in its presidential election due to reports of violence and alleged theft of ballot papers, according to the country's Electoral Commission of Zambia. The suspension was announced on Friday following the August 13th election, which saw incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema seeking re-election. Hichilema is facing 13 challenger candidates, with Brian Mundubile, leader of an opposition alliance, seen as his strongest contender.
While Zambia has historically held peaceful elections, the opposition and independent rights groups have criticized Hichilema's administration for alleged suppression of dissent. The opposition alliance accused the government of involvement in a raid on Mundubile’s offices days prior to the vote, alleging it was intended to undermine the opposition campaign.
The Electoral Commission is reviewing its decision to suspend vote counting, with the decision to be reconsidered within 24 hours.
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