Security tensions in Zambia: Vote counting for presidential and parliamentary elections suspended

Zambia – In a rapidly unfolding situation reflecting the intensity of political competition, the Independent Electoral Commission of Zambia announced on Friday the suspension of the vote-counting process for the presidential and parliamentary elections held yesterday, Thursday, for at least 24 hours following outbreaks of violence and protests in certain electoral districts.

This sudden decision came just hours after the main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, claimed an early lead in the race for the presidency. In response, outgoing President Hakainde Hichilema addressed the citizens, urging them to remain calm and exercise “patience” while the situation is clarified.

Reasons for the suspension and security situation

In a press statement from the capital, Lusaka, the Commission’s Director of Elections, Brown Kasaro, explained the background of the decision, stating: “The Electoral Commission of Zambia has followed with great concern the reports of violence during the counting and announcement of results in some districts. Given the security situation and the ongoing threats of violence, it has decided to suspend the counting and announcement of results with immediate effect.”

It should be noted that this election is taking place in an extremely sensitive political and security context. Days before the polls opened, authorities announced the arrest of several individuals suspected of involvement in a plot to destabilize the electoral process. Concurrently, the Catholic Church intervened in the crisis, calling on all candidates and their supporters to maintain calm, accept the verdict of the ballot box, and rely exclusively on legal channels for any disputes.

Next steps and final results timeline

The Electoral Commission has set a new schedule to finalize the electoral process; the reception and auditing of results at the national level are expected to continue between August 15 and August 17.

Ultimately, this process will conclude with the official announcement of the final presidential election results on August 17. The Zambian Constitution requires a presidential candidate to secure more than 50 percent of the total votes cast to guarantee victory in the first round; otherwise, a decisive runoff will be held.