Zambia suspends vote count nationwide amid reports of violence, ballot theft
Summary
Zambia’s election commission stopped counting votes nationwide for at least 24 hours due to reports of violence against election workers and theft of ballots. Former minister Brian Mundubile claimed victory, while President Hakainde Hichilema urged calm as official results are awaited.Key Facts
- Zambia held presidential and parliamentary elections on August 13, 2026.
- The electoral commission paused vote counting because of violence targeting election staff and stolen marked ballot papers.
- Brian Mundubile, former minister and main challenger, claimed he won both the presidency and a parliamentary majority.
- President Hichilema responded by calling for peace and patience while waiting for official results expected on Monday.
- Around 8.7 million people were registered to vote in the election.
- Parliamentary vote counting was also suspended along with the presidential count.
- Zambia has a history of peaceful power transfers since 1991 through elections.
- Security agencies arrested several suspects, including three former officials, accused of plotting to interfere with the election.
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