The Electoral Commission of Zambia has suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country following reports of violence, threats against election officials and the alleged theft of marked ballot papers in some districts.
By The Zambian Economist Analyst
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has, with immediate effect, suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country, citing security concerns following incidents of violence during the results process.
ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said in a statement issued on Friday that the Commission had received reports of violence in some districts during the counting and announcement of results.
According to the Commission, some incidents have targeted polling staff, while marked ballot papers have reportedly been removed from ballot boxes in certain areas.
Mrs Zaloumis said the suspension had become necessary because of the prevailing security situation and continued threats of violence.
The Commission said it would review the suspension within 24 hours.
What the suspension means
The decision places the counting and announcement of election results on hold until ECZ makes a further determination.
This means results that have not yet been counted or officially announced by the relevant electoral authorities will have to wait for further direction from the Commission.
ECZ’s own published guidance states that results are counted at polling stations before being taken to constituency totalling centres, where Returning Officers verify and announce constituency-level results. Presidential results are subsequently transmitted to the National Results Centre for verification, with the ECZ Chairperson responsible for declaring the presidential election result.
The Commission is Zambia’s constitutionally established electoral management body and is responsible for implementing and conducting the country’s electoral process.
Security of ballots now central
The reported theft of marked ballot papers raises a serious electoral security concern because ballot materials form part of the official record used in determining election results.
Uniformed officers assigned to polling stations have responsibility for maintaining law and order and protecting election staff, voters, equipment and electoral materials.
The immediate challenge for ECZ and law-enforcement agencies will therefore be to secure polling stations, counting centres, ballot boxes and election personnel before the counting process resumes.
A test of public confidence
The suspension comes at a sensitive stage of Zambia’s 2026 General Election.
For citizens, political parties and investors, the priority will be a transparent explanation of what happened, which districts were affected and what measures will be put in place to protect ballots already cast.
A prolonged interruption could increase political uncertainty at a time when businesses and financial markets are waiting for clarity on Zambia’s political direction.
The economic impact will depend largely on how quickly security is restored and whether all political actors accept the procedures used to resume counting.
ECZ has said the suspension will be reviewed within 24 hours.
Until the Commission issues a further determination, counting and the official announcement of outstanding election results remain suspended.
Key takeaway
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has temporarily halted counting and the announcement of election results because of reported violence, threats against election officials and alleged interference with ballot materials. Attention now turns to the Commission’s review within 24 hours and the security measures required before the results process can resume.
