Vote counting in Zambia’s high-stakes presidential election has officially resumed under heightened security after a temporary nationwide suspension triggered by violent attacks on polling officials and the theft of ballot papers. The Electoral Commission of Zambia halted the tally on Friday following incidents targeting staff and resulting in stolen marked ballots in some districts of the capital, Lusaka. Commission chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis later announced that the security threats had been contained, allowing the counting process to restart as rival camps await official results.
Heightened Security and Disrupted Tally
The southern African nation went to the polls on Thursday as incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second five-year term. However, the democratic exercise was marred by rare unrest. During the temporary suspension, riot police and soldiers in armored vehicles were deployed across parts of Lusaka, including the main tallying center. Police reported that one person was killed at a polling station during the voting process, leading to the arrest of nine suspects, while the main opposition challenger, Brian Mundubile, claimed he was questioned by the army.
Political Tensions and Economic Stakes
The election features a fiercely contested race between Hakainde Hichilema and 14 other contenders, with Brian Mundubile emerging as his strongest rival. While the commission worked to stabilize the situation, both candidates claimed momentum; Hichilema urged citizens to remain peaceful and patient, whereas Mundubile prematurely claimed victory for both the presidency and a majority in parliament. With approximately 8.7 million registered voters, the election serves as a crucial referendum on Hichilema‘s economic reforms, which stabilized the copper-rich nation after a 2020 debt crisis but have faced criticism over the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and electricity shortages.
Path Forward and Official Results
Following consultations with law enforcement agencies, the electoral authority confirmed that measures are securely in place to conclude the counting process for both presidential and parliamentary ballots. Official results are anticipated to be announced, with the first tallies expected late into the evening. International observers and local citizens alike are closely watching how the Electoral Commission of Zambia manages the remainder of the process to ensure transparency and preserve the nation’s long-standing democratic reputation.
