Alleged Violence And Ballot Theft Forces Zambia To Suspend Announcement Of Election Results

Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the counting and announcement of results from Thursday’s election, citing violence against its officials and the theft of marked ballot papers in some areas.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced the suspension in a press release issued on 14 August 2026, hours after main opposition candidate Brian Mundubile declared himself the winner of the election.

In the statement signed by its chairperson, Zaloumis Mwangala (SC), the Commission said it had 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,” the statement read.

The Commission said that in view of the security situation and continued threats of violence, it had, with immediate effect, suspended the counting and announcement of results throughout the country.

The suspension was effected in accordance with Section 67 (3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.

“The Commission will review the suspension within 24 hours,” Zaloumis said.

The announcement has thrown the outcome of Thursday’s poll into uncertainty, coming shortly after opposition candidate Brian Mundubile declared himself the winner.

The ECZ has not yet indicated when counting will resume or when final results are now expected to be announced, but said the security situation was being closely monitored.

Related:

Zambia Police Deny Arresting Opposition Leader Brian Mundubile Zambia Government Accuses Opposition-Aligned Pages Of Spreading False Claims As Votes Counted