Zambia stops election results counting

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country following reports of violence targeting polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers.

In a press release dated August 14, 2026, ECZ Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis said the decision had been made due to the deteriorating security situation and continued threats of violence in some districts.

The Commission said the violence has affected election officials, with some incidents resulting in the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes, raising concerns over the integrity and security of the electoral process.

Meanwhile,the suspension has taken immediate effect under Section 67 (3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, with the Commission saying it will review the decision within 24 hours.

The move comes as Zambia awaits the outcome of the elections, with the ECZ expected to resume the counting and announcement of results once the security situation has been assessed.