The Electoral Commission of Zambia has suspended the counting and announcement of election results throughout the country with immediate effect, citing violence targeting poll staff and theft of marked ballot papers in some districts.
A Nationwide Suspension
The Electoral Commission of Zambia said it has noted with concern reports of violence during the counting and announcement of results in some districts, with the violence targeted at poll staff and in some instances resulting in the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes. In view of the security situation and continued threats of violence, the Commission announced it has, with immediate effect, suspended the counting and announcement of results nationwide, invoking Section 67(3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.
The Commission said it will review the suspension within 24 hours.
A Developing Situation
The statement, issued by ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, does not specify which districts were affected by the reported violence or theft. As of publication, no further details have been released on the scale of the incidents or when counting is expected to resume.
Sources: Electoral Commission of Zambia press release, issued by Mwangala Zaloumis (SC), Chairperson, August 14, 2026
