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Zambia Suspends Election Results Nationwide Amid Security Concerns and Violence

LUSAKA, Zambia — The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced an immediate, nationwide suspension of the counting and announcement of election results following security threats, violence against election officials, and reports of stolen ballot papers.

The decision comes just hours after millions of Zambians went to the polls on August 13 in a closely watched Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government election.

Tensions Escalating at Polling Centers

In an official press release dated August 14, 2026, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis (SC) highlighted severe security disruptions during the collation process.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia has noted with concern reports of violence during the counting and announcement of results in some districts. The violence is targeted at Poll staff and in some instances has resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes.”

Acting under Section 67 (3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, the commission invoked its mandate to halt all result tabulations across the country with immediate effect.

High-Stakes Election Under Review

The election features incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term, facing stiff competition from main opposition leader Brian Mundubile and several other candidates.

Key highlights of the official statement include:

Legal Basis: Issued pursuant to Section 67 (3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.
Scope: Nationwide suspension of vote counting and result announcements.
Primary Cause: Attacks on election personnel and theft of marked ballot papers.
Next Steps: The ECZ confirmed that the suspension will be formally reviewed within 24 hours.

Stakeholders, domestic monitors, and international observers are closely monitoring developments as security agencies move to secure ballot boxes and ensure the safety of polling staff.