In brief
Zambia’s electoral commission prematurely stopped counting votes from Thursday’s presidential and parliamentary contests amid fears of vandalism that saw marked ballot papers removed from boxes. The halt comes after a brief, largely peaceful polling day where queues were long and only a few incidents were reported. President Hakainde Hichilema and opposition challenger Brian Mundubile face each other in what many expected to be a tight race. The commission aims to review the suspension within 24 hours and will announce results by Sunday, but a potential runoff looms if no candidate achieves a majority. The decision underscores growing political tensions in Zambia, highlighted by unresolved issues over former President Edgar Lungu’s burial and concerns from Amnesty International about human‑rights restrictions.
Headline footnote: The Zambian electoral commission announced a halt to all vote tallies following accusations of vandalism that led to stolen ballot papers.
Volunteers and observers said a handful of polling stations were hit by violent attacks on staff. Officers reported that marked ballot papers had been removed from ballot boxes before the count could begin.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second five‑year mandate, and main opposition challenger Brian Mundubile are the main contenders in what many expected to be a two‑horse race. The commission has until Sunday to declare results, but a review of the suspension is planned within 24 hours.
Polling day itself was largely calm, with voters lining up early in Lusaka’s cold morning. Reuters and other international observers noted minor delays but overall orderly voting.
The suspension raises questions about Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. Political tensions have been heightened by the unresolved burial dispute over former President Edgar Lungu, and by Amnesty International’s calls for the UPND government to protect human rights.
If no candidate surpasses the 50% threshold, a runoff must be held within 37 days. Civil society monitors now await the commission’s next steps, while voters like Mwiche Nalupumbwe and James Phiri urge officials to resume counting so the country can move forward.
For more on Zambia’s political landscape, see BBC Africa’s coverage.
