ECZ Suspends Nationwide Vote Counting and Results Announcements After Election Violence

 

Commission cites attacks on poll staff and theft of marked ballot papers as Zambia awaits outcome of the 2026 general election

By Staff Reporter
LUSAKA, Zambia, 14 August 2026

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended the counting of votes and announcement of election results across the country following reports of violence against election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers in some districts.

The suspension, announced in a press release dated 14 August 2026, takes immediate effect and applies nationwide. It comes at a critical stage of the electoral process, as Zambians await results from the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections held on Thursday, 13 August.

ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, State Counsel, said the Commission had received disturbing reports of violence during the counting and announcement of results in parts of the country.

According to the statement, poll staff were deliberately targeted in some incidents, while marked ballot papers were reportedly stolen from ballot boxes. The Commission did not immediately identify the affected districts or disclose the number of ballots involved.

“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 statement said.

The ECZ indicated that it had invoked Section 67(3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 in taking the decision. The Commission said the suspension would be reviewed within 24 hours, leaving open the possibility that counting could resume once adequate security arrangements have been established.

International news agency Reuters also reported that the suspension followed violence directed at election officials and incidents involving the theft of marked ballot papers. Before the interruption, full results had been expected by Monday, although it remains unclear whether that timetable can now be maintained. Reuters

Election process enters uncertain period

The announcement has introduced uncertainty into an already closely watched election. Political parties, candidates, observers and citizens had been following results as they were transmitted from polling stations and constituency tallying centres.

The suspension means that no further official results should be counted or announced until the Commission reviews its decision or issues additional instructions.

The ECZ has not stated whether results already announced will be affected. It has also not explained how it intends to handle constituencies where ballots or other election materials may have been stolen or compromised.

These questions are expected to form part of the Commission’s security and procedural review.

The election includes contests for the presidency, National Assembly seats and local government positions. The presidential race has attracted considerable national and international attention, with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema seeking another term and facing competition from opposition candidates, including Brian Mundubile.

Security of officials and ballots in focus

The reported targeting of poll staff raises serious concerns about the safety of officials entrusted with safeguarding ballots and verifying results.

Election workers play a central role in ensuring that votes cast at polling stations are counted accurately, recorded on official documents and transmitted through established electoral channels. Violence against these officials can disrupt the process and undermine confidence in the final outcome.

The alleged theft of marked ballot papers is particularly serious because such ballots represent votes already cast by citizens. Any loss or interference could require investigations to determine the extent of the incident and whether results in the affected areas can still be verified.

The Commission is therefore likely to work with the Zambia Police Service and other security agencies to protect tallying centres, election staff, accredited monitors, observers and electoral materials before counting resumes.

Calls for calm and verified information

The suspension is expected to intensify demands for transparency from the ECZ. Political parties and civil society organisations are likely to seek details about the affected districts, the number of incidents recorded and the measures being taken to protect the integrity of the vote.

Authorities will also face the challenge of controlling misinformation during the suspension. In the absence of official results, unverified figures and claims of victory could circulate through social media and other platforms, potentially increasing political tension.

Citizens, candidates and political parties should rely on official ECZ communication and avoid sharing unconfirmed results or inflammatory claims.

The ECZ’s decision does not amount to the cancellation of the election. It is a temporary suspension of counting and results announcements while the Commission reviews the security situation.

Media reports citing the ECZ statement similarly indicate that the nationwide halt will be reconsidered within 24 hours. Mwebantu

Next 24 hours critical

The Commission’s review will be crucial in determining when vote counting can safely resume and whether additional security measures will be required in affected districts.

Among the key issues awaiting clarification are:

• The districts and polling stations affected by violence.

• The number of poll staff attacked or threatened.

• The quantity and status of the stolen ballot papers.

• Whether announced results remain valid.

• How disputed or compromised results will be handled.

• Whether the original national results timetable will change.

The ECZ is expected to provide further guidance after completing its review.

Until then, Zambia’s electoral process remains paused at a sensitive moment, with the public waiting for assurances that counting will resume safely, transparently and in accordance with the law.