Lusaka, Zambia — Zambia’s electoral process has resumed after a temporary halt on Friday, August 14, 2026, due to violence and the theft of marked ballot papers.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) lifted the suspension following a review of the security situation and consultations with law enforcement agencies.
The 2026 election, which includes presidential, parliamentary, and local contests, has been marked by tensions between the government and the opposition.
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term, facing a challenge from opposition leader Brian Mundubile.
The opposition has raised concerns over political freedoms and the conduct of the election. Following the suspension of vote counting, Mundubile claimed victory, citing the halt as an attempt to manipulate the outcome in favor of Hichilema.
Officials commented on the matter.
The ECZ maintains that the security threat to the electoral process has been contained, allowing for the resumption of vote counting.
The commission has set itself the target of announcing the results by the end of Sunday, August 15, 2026.
The vote counting halt was triggered by reports of violence targeting election staff and the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes.
The commission suspended the process nationwide, expressing concern about reports of violence that “resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes. “Despite the disruptions, the ECZ chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, assured the nation that necessary measures had been put in place to ensure the process could continue without further incidents.
As Zambia awaits the official results, the country’s political landscape remains tense.
The opposition’s claim of victory without providing evidence raises questions about the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.
The ECZ’s decision to resume vote counting comes amidst a backdrop of high-stakes political rivalry and the nation’s enduring quest for democratic stability.
What remains to be seen is how the official results will impact the country’s political future and whether the election will be a step towards consolidating democracy in Zambia.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE24
