Zambia’s election body suspends vote counting nationwide citing violence

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on Friday suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country after reports of violence targeting poll staff and theft of ballots in some districts. In a statement dated Aug. 14, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the Commission noted with concern incidents of violence that occurred during

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THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on Friday suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country after reports of violence targeting poll staff and theft of ballots in some districts.

In a statement dated Aug. 14, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the Commission noted with concern incidents of violence that occurred during the counting and announcement of results. She said some of the attacks resulted in marked ballot papers being stolen from ballot boxes.

“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,” Zaloumis said.

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

Zaloumis said the Commission will review the suspension within 24 hours.

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