Vote counting from Thursday’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections has been suspended by Zambia’s electoral commission. This comes after reports of attacks on election officials and the alleged removal of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes.
The nationwide suspension was announced on Friday by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). However, the commission said it would review the decision within 24 hours.
Counting has begun immediately after polling stations closed on Thursday, however, no official results has been announced before the suspension. The commission had initially targeted the end of Sunday for the declaration of the results.
Brian Mundubile, who is the main challenger among the 13 candidates contesting the presidency, raised concerns about the delay shortly before the suspension was announced. He said reports from several parts of the country were “deeply troubling”, citing allegations of military involvement at tallying centers.
President Hichilema, meanwhile, urged Zambians to remain calm while awaiting the official outcome.
“Remain peaceful, patient and patriotic as we await the official outcome from those entrusted with managing the vote,” he said.
However, Thursday’s polling was largely peaceful, with long queues reported in several areas and only isolated delays. The election has been closely monitored, amid criticism that democratic freedoms have come under pressure during the run-up.
Despite the concerns surrounding the counting process, civil society monitors described voting on Thursday as largely orderly, although they reported some delays and procedural problems. International observers are also monitoring the election.
For voters such as 26-year-old Mwiche Nalupumbwe, the election represented an opportunity to influence the country’s direction.
“Zambians are frustrated and this election is 50-50,” he told AFP, explaining that he had arrived early because he wanted to see a change.
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