Zambia suspends vote counting nationwide citing violence

Lusaka, Zambia has halted nationwide vote counting on Friday due to reports of violence in certain districts, according to the electoral commission.

The southern African country held elections on Thursday, with the primary focus being on addressing economic challenges. The incumbent, President Hakainde Hichilema, was contesting against Brian Mundubile, a 55-year-old former minister under his predecessor's government.

The violence appears to be directed towards election officials, with some instances involving the theft of marked ballots from ballot boxes, reported chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro. The electoral commission plans to reassess the suspension within a day.

Mundubile declared victory on Thursday, whereas Hichilema claimed his team was receiving "encouraging results." In a social media post, Hichilema urged the public to maintain peace, patience, and patriotism while awaiting the official results from those overseeing the voting process.

The electorate comprised 8.7 million registered voters, who also elected 226 parliamentary seats, an increase from the prior 156. The official presidential verdicts are anticipated to be released on Monday.