Zambia Halts Election Count After Officials Targeted And Ballots Stolen
Zambia temporarily halted the nationwide counting and announcement of election results on Friday, 14 August 2026, after violence was reported against election officials and marked ballot papers were allegedly stolen from ballot boxes in some districts.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced the suspension a day after Zambians voted in presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.
Zambia Election Count Suspended
ECZ officials said the decision followed security concerns affecting election personnel and the counting process.
Chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro said the incidents involved attacks on poll staff and the removal of marked ballots.
“The violence is targeted at poll staff and in some instances has resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes,” Kasaro said.
The commission said it would review the suspension within 24 hours.
The latest development raised uncertainty over the timing of the final results, which had initially been expected on Monday, 17 August.
Hichilema Seeks Second Term
President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking another five-year term after first taking office in 2021.
His administration has overseen debt restructuring and economic reforms following Zambia’s debt crisis. However, the election has also been contested against a backdrop of concerns over living costs and political tensions.
Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile has emerged as Hichilema’s main challenger and has attracted significant crowds during the campaign.
At the time of the suspension, it was unclear whether the interruption would affect the previously expected announcement timetable.
The ECZ’s decision means the handling of the disputed ballots and the security situation will be closely watched as Zambia moves towards the announcement of official results.
The suspension temporarily interrupted Zambia’s election tally at a critical stage. The ECZ said its priority was the safety of election officials and the integrity of the counting process. The commission was expected to review the situation within 24 hours.
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