Zambia's electoral commission has slammed the brakes on counting votes from Thursday's presidential, parliamentary, and local elections, citing alleged attacks on polling staff. The commission, in its infinite wisdom, declared a nationwide halt with immediate effect, expressing grave concern over reports of violence that 'resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes.' Because nothing says 'stable democracy' like stolen ballots and a suspended count.
President Hakainde Hichilema, seeking a second five-year term, faces 13 challengers, with Brian Mundubile as the main opposition candidate. The commission had optimistically set itself a self-imposed deadline (not a legal one, mind you) to announce results by the end of Sunday. Counting started promptly after polls closed Thursday, but by the time the halt was ordered, no official results had been declared. The commission says it will review the suspension decision within the next 24 hours, which is presumably enough time to locate the missing ballot boxes.
Just hours before the commission's statement, Mundubile expressed 'grave concern' over the delays, warning that they could open the door to interference or manipulation. He cited 'deeply troubling reports' from several areas, including alleged military involvement at tallying centres and shady ballot box movements. He demanded the immediate publication of results station by station, protection of the chain of custody, and investigations into the reported incidents. You know, the usual election integrity asks.
Hichilema, for his part, urged Zambians to 'remain peaceful, patient and patriotic as we await the official outcome from those entrusted with managing the vote.' Because nothing says 'patriotic' like waiting patiently while your vote potentially vanishes into thin air.
Polling day itself was largely peaceful, with queues reported in many areas and only isolated delays. More than eight million registered voters had the chance to elect a president, MPs, and local councils. This vote was seen as a test of Zambia's reputation as one of Africa's most stable democracies, amid concerns that political freedoms are being undermined. Because allegedly stolen ballots and military involvement at tallying centres are great for that reputation.
Despite 14 candidates on the ballot, the contest was widely seen as a two-horse race between Hichilema and Mundubile, who runs under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP). Hichilema is credited with steering Zambia through a tough economic climate, but his popularity has dipped as many voters say their circumstances haven't improved. Mundubile, a former minister in the Patriotic Front (PF) government (2011-2021), hoped to capitalize on that dissatisfaction, drawing support from backers of the late former President Edgar Lungu.
Lungu died over a year ago and remains unburied in South Africa, amid a bitter dispute between his family and Hichilema that has heightened political divisions. Because nothing says 'national unity' like a dead president's body being held hostage in a foreign country.
Hichilema, 64, won the 2021 election on his sixth attempt and is betting on job creation and an ambitious infrastructure drive to secure a second and final term. The election was a referendum on his economic record, which boasts debt restructuring, currency strengthening, and lowered inflation. But his UPND government has been criticized by Amnesty International for restricting rights and freedoms, an accusation the authorities have yet to comment on. Probably too busy counting (or not counting) votes.
Civil society monitors reported mostly orderly voting, with some incidents of delays and procedural issues. International observers are present, presumably taking notes on how to run a proper election.
Voters on the ground had their own takes. Mwiche Nalupumbwe, 26, braved the morning chill to queue early: 'Zambians are frustrated and this election is a 50-50, that is why we are all here early to make the change.' James Phiri, a 29-year-old student, told Reuters he voted for Hichilema: 'I voted for HH because he cares about us. Things are better after he re-introduced meal allowances.' Samuel Chitendwe, a 47-year-old welder and father of four, voted for Mundubile: 'I have just come from firing someone. We are tired of stories about economic progress.'
If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, a run-off must be held within 37 days. So there's still plenty of time for more ballot theft, accusations, and possibly a burial or two.
Correction: This story was amended to clarify that the Sunday deadline for announcing results was set by the electoral commission, not the law. Because in Zambia, even deadlines are negotiable.