Zambia's election count restarts after violence and ballot theft disruptions

After a brief suspension due to reported assaults on election officials and the disappearance of ballot boxes, Zambia restarted its vote count late on Friday. Electoral Commission Chair Mwangala Zaloumis declared that the security situation was under control and that safeguards had been implemented to resume the tally. The halt was prompted by incidents of violence against polling staff and stolen ballot papers, though the commission did not specify locations or scale.

The commission expects the first batch of results by Friday night and a complete declaration by Monday. President Hakainde Hichilema, seeking a second term, had earlier posted encouraging signs, while rival Brian Mundubile claimed victory without evidence and urged an immediate release of results. Observers, including a European Union team, have been monitoring the election amid reports of logistical challenges at polling stations.