Zambia Suspends Ballot Counting After Reports of Theft and Violence

Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro announced the halt from Lusaka, confirming that the commission will re-evaluate the status of the process within 24 hours. The delay pushes back the original Monday deadline for declaring winners in the presidential and parliamentary races, further straining a political climate already marked by pre-election accusations of state-led repression.

While the official tally remains frozen, the candidates are maneuvering to shape public perception. President Hichilema has urged supporters to maintain peace and patience as the situation develops. Conversely, Brian Mundubile has declared victory based on internal, unverified figures, pressuring the commission to release results immediately. These conflicting narratives threaten to undermine Zambia’s long-standing reputation for stability, as voters wait for clarity in an increasingly volatile environment.