By Advent Shoko
LUSAKA, August 14, 2026 — Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country after reports of violence targeting polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced the suspension on Friday, saying the decision took immediate effect amid what it described as a deteriorating security situation and continued threats of violence.
The move comes as election results were being counted and announced from different parts of the country, raising fresh uncertainty over when Zambians will receive a clearer picture of the outcome.
ECZ Halts Results Process
In a statement seen by Zigoats.com, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the Commission had received 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,” Zaloumis said.
The Commission said the nationwide suspension was imposed under Section 67(3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.
It did not identify the districts affected, the political parties allegedly involved, or the number of polling staff affected.
The ECZ said it would review the suspension within 24 hours, meaning the interruption could be temporary if the security situation improves.
Why The Suspension Matters
The counting stage is one of the most sensitive parts of an election because results move from individual polling stations through constituency and other verification processes before being formally announced.
Any disruption involving marked ballots, polling staff or counting centres can create questions over the integrity and credibility of the results.
The ECZ’s decision therefore puts the national results process on hold at a critical moment.
It also means that figures already circulating on social media or being reported from individual constituencies should be treated with caution until the Commission resumes the official process.
Security concerns take centre stage
The Commission’s statement did not provide details about what triggered the violence or whether security forces had been deployed to affected areas.
However, its reference to threats against polling staff and the alleged theft of marked ballot papers signals serious concerns over the security of election materials and personnel.
For election authorities, protecting ballots and ensuring that polling staff can carry out their duties without intimidation are central to maintaining public confidence in the process.
The ECZ has now made security the immediate priority.
Zaloumis under scrutiny
The announcement was made by ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, a Senior Counsel who previously served as President Hakainde Hichilema’s personal lawyer.
Her role at the helm of the electoral commission means the decision is likely to attract close attention from political parties, candidates, observers and voters as the country waits for the counting process to resume.
The ECZ’s next announcement will be closely watched, particularly whether the Commission lifts the suspension after its promised 24-hour review or extends the halt.
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