Zambia suspends vote counting after violence at polling stations

International observers monitoring Zambia's presidential election have expressed concerns over reports of intimidation and abductions, following a temporary suspension of vote counting on Friday due to violence at polling stations. The suspension, which lasted several hours, was initiated after reports of violence against polling staff and the alleged theft of ballot papers. The Electoral Commission of Zambia later resumed counting, stating that the "security threat to the electoral process had been contained." This incident has raised fears about the integrity of the electoral process, with opposition candidate Brian Mundubile warning that the delay could create opportunities for manipulation of results. His campaign has claimed victory based on its own parallel vote count, alleging irregularities such as military personnel taking control of tallying centers and missing result forms. In contrast, President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second term, has stopped short of declaring victory, citing "encouraging" results as official counting continues. The SADC observer mission, led by former Malawian justice minister Samuel Tembenu, noted that it was not in a position to observe counting during the suspension and urged all parties to remain calm. The mission reported receiving unverified allegations of intimidation, assault, abduction, and property damage across five provinces, with some submissions alleging injuries and at least one fatality. The European Union's observer mission also highlighted concerns about opposition figures facing intimidation, including from security forces, and some candidates withdrawing under pressure. As of Saturday, the Electoral Commission had released partial results from 49 of 226 constituencies, with police and soldiers deployed in parts of Lusaka. The commission said it would provide further notice on Sunday regarding the timing of the next results announcement. About 8.7 million people were registered to vote in Zambia, a country of 22 million with a history of peaceful transfers of power.