Reports of violence and alleged theft of marked ballot papers have forced Zambia’s electoral commission to halt the nationwide counting of votes from Thursday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the violence was directed at election personnel in some districts, prompting the commission to suspend the process while the situation is reviewed.
President Hakainde Hichilema, seeking a second five-year term, urged citizens to remain calm and wait for the official results, while his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, claimed he had won the presidential race.
The Electoral Commission said the suspension would be reviewed within 24 hours, with official presidential results expected on Monday.
The election has taken place amid concerns over political freedoms, with the Human Rights Commission monitoring arrests involving politicians, supporters and journalists.
Authorities also reported arrests over an alleged plot to interfere with the electoral process, while the vote comes against a backdrop of persistent poverty, unemployment and rising food prices.
