Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the counting and announcement of election results nationwide following reports of violence in some districts…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country following reports of violence during the electoral process.
In a press release dated August 14, the commission said it had noted with concern reports of violence during the counting and announcement of results in some districts.
The violence was reportedly targeted at polling staff and, in some instances, resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes.
“In view of the security situation and continued threats of violence, the Commission has with immediate effect suspended the counting and announcement of results throughout the country,” the Electoral Commission of Zambia said.
The suspension was made in accordance with Section 67 (3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.
The commission said it would review the suspension within 24 hours.
The decision comes as election officials continue the process of counting votes and announcing results following voting in Zambia. The commission did not specify the districts where the reported incidents occurred or provide details on the number of polling staff affected.
It also did not indicate when the counting and announcement of results would resume, saying only that the suspension would be reviewed within 24 hours.
The commission’s statement was signed by Mwangala Zaloumis, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
The suspension means the release of election results will be temporarily halted nationwide while authorities assess the security situation and threats facing election personnel.
The commission’s decision follows concerns over the safety of polling staff and the integrity of election materials, particularly after reports of marked ballot papers being removed from ballot boxes.
Further details on the affected districts, the incidents of violence and the timeline for resuming the results process are expected following the commission’s review.
