Zambia’s Vote Marred by Intimidation

International observer missions warned on Saturday that claims of intimidation, abductions, and a temporary halt in vote counting threatened the credibility of Zambia’s general elections.

The electoral commission halted the count for roughly six hours on Friday after reports of violence against polling staff and ballot paper theft, creating widespread public anxiety.

The count resumed after security forces contained the threat, with election officials pledging to publish the outcome by Monday.

Zambia Resumes Vote Count After Security Threat

Regional and international monitors expressed serious concerns over the election environment and urged political leaders to stop using inflammatory language.

Observers say that Zambia’s vote is marred by intimidation (News Central TV) — Observers say that Zambia’s vote is marred by intimidation. Credit: Reuters

Samuel Tembenu, head of the SADC observer mission, noted unverified reports of physical assaults, property damage, and possible fatalities across five provinces.

European Union chief observer Michael McNamara further criticised the process, stating that key incumbency advantages created an uneven playing field for President Hakainde Hichilema and main challenger Brian Mundubile.

Meanwhile, early consolidated results from 27 of the 226 constituencies show incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) taking an early lead with 243,509 votes.

His main challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), trails in second place with 161,883 votes.

Out of 761,548 registered voters across these tallied districts, officials recorded 423,999 total votes cast—including 11,910 rejected ballots—representing a voter turnout of 55.68 per cent.

27/226 Consolidated Results (Presidential Election)

Hakainde Hichilema (UPND) – 243,509

Brian Mundubile (NRPUP) – 161,883

Harry Kalaba (CF) – 1,623

Kelvin Fube Bwalya (ZMP) – 1,428

Fred M’membe (SP) – 989

Given Chansa (MEE) – 584

Brian Mushimba (OPP) – 525

Given Katuta (IND) – 500

Richard Silumbe (LM) – 296

Ackim Njobvu (DU) – 284

Zambia Vote Count Suspended Over Violence

Howard Kunda (ZAWAPA) – 217

Richwell Siamunene (NFP) – 150

Daniel Pule (CDP) – 101

Author

Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.