Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the counting and announcement of results from Thursday’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections after reports of violence targeting election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers. The commission said the suspension took effect nationwide and would be reviewed within 24 hours. The decision has cast uncertainty over the timetable for announcing the presidential result, which had been expected on Monday. President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second five-year term, is facing 13 challengers, with Brian Mundubile widely regarded as his main opponent. About 8 million registered voters were eligible to participate in the presidential, parliamentary and local elections.
Voting was largely peaceful, with long queues reported across the country, but the post-election process has quickly become contentious. Mundubile raised concerns about delays and called for greater transparency, including the publication of results from individual polling stations and protection of the ballot chain of custody. Hichilema, meanwhile, urged citizens to remain calm and wait for the Electoral Commission to announce the official results. The suspension is particularly significant because Zambia has long been regarded as one of Africa’s more stable democracies. The election has nevertheless taken place amid concerns over political freedoms, opposition activity and the cost of living.
Hichilema’s campaign focused heavily on his government’s economic record, including Zambia’s debt restructuring following its 2020 sovereign default, stronger economic growth and efforts to attract investment. However, many voters continue to complain about unemployment and high living costs. Mundubile has campaigned on economic relief and political change, drawing support from opposition forces associated with the former ruling Patriotic Front. Under Zambia’s electoral system, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates face a runoff within 37 days. The immediate priority for the Electoral Commission is now to address the reported security incidents and restore confidence in the counting process before results are released.
