Zambia's electoral commission suspended the counting and announcement of presidential and parliamentary election results throughout the country with immediate effect. The suspension was prompted by the security situation, including violence targeting poll staff in some districts and reported instances of theft of marked ballot papers.
The halt in the process triggered concerns about the election in the southern African nation, which is traditionally one of Africa's most stable democracies. Both top candidates claimed leads, with former minister Brian Mundubile, the main challenger to President Hakainde Hichilema, claiming a first-round victory and expressing grave concern over the continued delay.
The electoral commission initially indicated it would review the decision to suspend the vote count within 24 hours. Counting has since resumed after the commission stated that the security threat to the process had been contained.