Zambia vote count resumes after suspension amid reports of violence
Earlier, the electoral commission suspended vote counting after alleged attacks on polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers
Vote counting in Zambia restarted late Friday following a suspension due to allegations of violence against officials and the theft of ballot papers. Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis assured the nation that the security threat to the electoral process had been contained and measures were in place to allow the process to continue.
Presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema, seeking a second term, is widely favored over his opposition rival Brian Mundubile, who won the first round but claimed victory without evidence and demanded immediate release of results. Hichilema had earlier reported encouraging results, urging citizens to remain peaceful, patient, and patriotic while awaiting official outcomes.
Out of a population of approximately 22 million, 8 million people were registered to vote, with the election also determining members of parliament and local councillors at more than 13,500 polling stations. Local observers noted delays and confusion at some polling stations due to poor guidance, voter roll issues, and crowd-management problems.
EU observers were present to monitor the election. Hichilema, who took office in 2021 following a defeat of longtime rival Edgar Lungu, faces an opposition alliance led by Mundubile, many of whose supporters were loyal to Lungu.
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