Zambia halts vote count after ballot theft claims

LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia’s election has entered an unexpected and tense pause after the electoral commission suspended the nationwide counting of votes, citing attacks on polling staff and reports that marked ballot papers were stolen.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced the suspension on Friday, a day after more than eight million registered voters cast ballots in presidential, parliamentary and local elections. The commission said the decision was taken because of the security situation and continuing threats against its officials.

The move has delayed an election result that had been expected within days and placed Zambia’s reputation for relatively peaceful transfers of power under renewed scrutiny.

The commission said it would review the suspension within 24 hours.

“The violence is targeted at Poll staff and in some instances has resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes,” ECZ chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said.

The commission has not identified those responsible for the alleged attacks or said how many ballot papers were affected.

Opposition demands answers

The suspension came shortly after opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile raised concerns over the delay in releasing results.

Mundubile called for polling-station-level results to be published and urged authorities to protect the chain of custody of ballot materials. He also alleged military involvement at some tallying centres and questioned the movement of ballot boxes.

Those claims have not been independently established.

Mundubile later claimed victory, based on figures from his party's own parallel tallying exercise. He did not provide evidence that would allow the claim to be independently verified.

President Hakainde Hichilema has taken a different approach, urging Zambians to remain calm while the ECZ completes its work.

The incumbent is seeking a second five-year term after winning the 2021 election in a landslide that ended the long rule of the Patriotic Front.

An election shaped by the economy

Thursday's vote had largely been peaceful, with voters turning out across the country despite some delays and procedural problems.

The election is, however, being closely watched as a judgement on Hichilema's economic record.

The president came to power promising to revive an economy struggling with debt, inflation and weak public finances. His government has since secured a major restructuring of Zambia's debt and pointed to improvements in inflation, the currency and investment.

But those gains have not necessarily translated into easier lives for many households.

High living costs, unemployment and power shortages remain major concerns. Zambia's economy is also heavily dependent on copper, making the country particularly sensitive to changes in global commodity markets.

Hichilema's supporters argue that the economic reforms need more time to deliver results. His critics say ordinary Zambians should not have to wait indefinitely for the benefits.

That tension was evident at polling stations.

“I voted for HH because he cares about us,” 29-year-old student James Phiri told Reuters, referring to Hichilema by his initials. He cited the restoration of meal allowances as one reason for his support.

Samuel Chitendwe, a 47-year-old welder, voted for Mundubile.

“We are tired of stories about economic progress,” he told Reuters.

A test of Zambia's democratic reputation

The disruption is particularly significant for Zambia, which has generally been regarded as one of the continent's more stable electoral democracies.

Hichilema's victory in 2021 resulted in a peaceful transfer of power from Edgar Lungu's Patriotic Front government.

This election, however, has been accompanied by concerns from rights groups and opposition figures over restrictions on political activity and civil liberties. The government has rejected accusations that it is deliberately suppressing opposition voices.

Mundubile, a former government minister and first-time presidential candidate, has emerged as Hichilema's strongest challenger.

The contest was expected to be closely watched despite 14 names appearing on the presidential ballot.

Under Zambia's electoral rules, a candidate must secure more than 50 per cent of valid votes to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, a second round must be held within 37 days.

For now, however, the question is not who has won.

It is whether the electoral commission can restore confidence in the counting process, secure the remaining ballot materials and resume the tally without further disruption.

The ECZ's promised review within 24 hours will be the next major test.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.