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 temporarily halted on Friday and then resumed hours later under increased security measures following reports of attacks on polling station officials and stolen ballot papers, according to the Electoral Commission of Zambia. The main opposition leader alleged he had been questioned by the army, while police reported one person was killed at a polling station during the previous day's voting.

Riot police and soldiers in armored vehicles were deployed to parts of the capital, Lusaka, as well as the main count center, though there were no immediate reports of widespread unrest. The violence reportedly targeted poll staff and resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers. The Electoral Commission head stated that the security threat to the electoral process had been contained after reviewing the situation and consulting with law enforcement agencies.

Main opposition candidate Brian Mundubile accused the government of interference and questioned the election's credibility following reports of unrest in various parts of the country. The disputed election comes amid criticism of President Hakainde Hichilema's administration, with opposition groups alleging his government is suppressing dissent.

The main opposition alliance, led by Mundubile, called for the government to present records and for the people's decision to be respected.