Lusaka, Zambia (Running Africa) — Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the nationwide counting of votes from Thursday’s 2026 presidential, parliamentary and local elections following reports of attacks on election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes.
Counting began shortly after polls closed, but no official presidential results had been announced when the suspension took effect, adding uncertainty to a closely watched election in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second five-year term.
The Electoral Commission said the suspension would be reviewed within 24 hours, while election authorities have until Sunday under the legal timetable to declare the final results.
Zambia Vote Counting Halted After Election Incidents
The Electoral Commission suspended the tallying process following reports of violence against polling personnel and interference with election materials.
Among the incidents under scrutiny are allegations that marked ballot papers were removed from ballot boxes, raising concerns about the integrity of the counting process.
Authorities have not yet announced how many polling stations or constituencies may have been affected.
The commission’s decision temporarily halts a process that began immediately after voting ended across the country on Thursday.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Delayed Presidential Results
Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile has questioned delays in the publication of presidential results and called for greater transparency from election authorities.
Mundubile cited reports of alleged military involvement at tallying centers and raised questions about the movement and handling of ballot boxes.
He called for polling-station-level results to be released immediately and demanded investigations into the reported incidents.
The allegations have added to scrutiny surrounding the election, although the Electoral Commission remains responsible for verifying and announcing official results.
Hichilema Urges Zambians to Remain Peaceful
President Hichilema has urged Zambians to remain peaceful, patient and patriotic while awaiting the official outcome.
Hichilema is seeking a second term after five years in office, with the election widely viewed as a major test of public support for his government’s economic record.
Mundubile is among 13 candidates challenging the incumbent, making the presidential contest the centerpiece of Zambia’s 2026 general election.
Under Zambia’s electoral system, a presidential candidate must receive more than 50% of valid votes to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, a run-off will be required.
Peaceful Voting Followed by Counting Concerns
Voting day itself was reported to have been largely peaceful, with high turnout and orderly queues seen at polling stations across Zambia.
However, concerns surrounding the counting process have shifted attention toward electoral integrity, transparency and the handling of ballots.
Questions over political freedoms had already featured prominently in the campaign, increasing scrutiny from voters and observers as results are awaited.
The Electoral Commission’s response to the reported incidents and the resumption of counting are now likely to be closely watched.
Zambia Awaits Results of Closely Watched 2026 Election
The election is being viewed both as a test of Zambia’s democratic institutions and a measure of public confidence in Hichilema’s leadership.
His administration has pointed to economic reforms, debt restructuring and falling inflation as evidence of progress, while voters have continued to grapple with concerns over the cost of living, unemployment and household finances.
With counting temporarily suspended and no official presidential result announced, attention now turns to the Electoral Commission’s review and whether the process can resume without further disruption.
For Zambia, the handling of the next stage could prove as consequential as election day itself, with public confidence resting on a transparent, credible and peaceful conclusion to the vote.
