NewsWPLG Local 10August 14, 2026Miami-Dade
Zambia electoral commission restarts vote counting after security threats and ballot theft
The Electoral Commission of Zambia suspended and then resumed presidential vote counting on Friday following reports of violence against poll workers and the theft of ballot papers. Security forces were deployed to tallying centers in Lusaka as the commission declared the security threat contained.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The integrity of the presidential election is at stake for 22 million Zambians, as opposition leaders allege potential result manipulation while the government maintains the process remains secure.
Key Facts
- The Electoral Commission of Zambia suspended vote counting on Friday due to attacks on polling staff and theft of ballot papers.
- Counting resumed hours later after the commission declared the security threat contained.
- One person, identified as a party official, was killed at a polling station during Thursday's vote.
- Police have arrested nine suspects in connection with the election-day violence.
- Approximately 8 million people were registered to vote across 13,500 polling stations.
- Final election results are expected by Monday.
- Opposition leader Brian Mundubile claims he was questioned by the army and alleges military interference in vote counting.
- President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second five-year term.
- The election includes races for the presidency, Parliament, and local government councilors.
Who's Mentioned
personEdgar Lungu“Former President of Zambia”other14“Number of presidential candidates”locationLusaka“Capital city of Zambia”other55“Age of Brian Mundubile”other13,500“Number of polling stations”personMwangala Zaloumis“Head of the Electoral Commission of Zambia”other64“Age of Hakainde Hichilema”personBrian Mundubile“Main opposition presidential candidate”personHakainde Hichilema“President of Zambia”