Politics 14 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Zambia Halts Vote Tally Amidst Post-Presidential Election Violence
Vote counting in Zambia's presidential election has been temporarily suspended following outbreaks of violence in some areas. The electoral commission cited the disturbances as the reason for the pause in tallying the ballots. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/zambia-suspends-vote-count-due-to-violence-after-presidential-poll-5558128
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced a temporary halt to the vote counting process for the recent presidential election. This decision comes in response to violent incidents that have been reported in various parts of the country in the wake of the polls.
Details regarding the specific nature and locations of the violence remain somewhat limited, but the ECZ emphasized that the safety and integrity of the electoral process are paramount. The commission stated that the suspension is a necessary measure to ensure a secure and orderly conclusion to the vote tallying.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second term, and his main challenger Hakainde Hichilema are among the key figures in this election. The political landscape in the Southern African nation, a major copper producer, has been closely watched.
This interruption raises concerns about the potential for further unrest and the timeline for announcing the final results. The ECZ has appealed for calm and urged political actors and the public to refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the peace.
Further updates are expected from the commission as they assess the situation and determine when it will be safe to resume the counting of votes.