# Zambia Temporarily Halts Vote Counting Amid Reports of Election Violence and Ballot Theft

*Zambia's electoral commission has suspended nationwide vote counting due to violence and theft of ballot papers.*

August 14, 2026 · World

Zambia suspended vote counting nationwide on Friday following reports of violence in some districts, the electoral commission announced. The copper-rich southern African nation went to the polls on Thursday in an election focused on economic hardship.

President Hakainde Hichilema, who has been in power since 2021, faced off against his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, a former minister in the previous government. Mundubile claimed a first-round victory on Friday, while Hichilema reported receiving encouraging results.

Chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro said the violence targeted poll staff and resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes. The commission will review the suspension within 24 hours.

The election, which also saw voting for 226 parliamentary seats, comes amid concerns over Hichilema's government narrowing the space for dissent despite promises of stronger economic recovery. The country continues to struggle with persistent poverty and unemployment.

Zambia has a history of transferring power through the ballot box, with every change of president since the return to multiparty politics in 1991 achieved through elections. Official presidential results were expected on Monday.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/zambia-suspends-vote-counting-violence