Zambia suspends vote counting after election violence

NewsZambia suspends vote counting after election violenceAgencies   -   Copyright © africanews AP PhotoBy AgenciesLast updated: 14/08 - 16:55World NewsZambia's Electoral Commission has suspended vote counting nationwide after reports of violence disrupted the country's general election. The commission said attacks targeting election officials were reported in several districts, with some incidents involving the theft of marked ballot papers and ballot boxes. Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the suspension would be reviewed within 24 hours. The election, held on Thursday, was dominated by concerns over the economy, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term against opposition challenger Brian Mundubile, a former government minister.Even before official results were announced, Mundubile declared victory, while Hichilema said his campaign was receiving what he described as "encouraging results." In a message on social media, Hichilema urged Zambians to remain peaceful, patient and patriotic while awaiting the official outcome. More than 8.7 million registered voters cast ballots to elect a president and 226 members of parliament, following an expansion of the National Assembly. Official presidential results are expected on Monday, with authorities appealing for calm as election officials work to resolve the disruptions and resume the counting process.You may also like01:14Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 7 minutes ago01:10Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 29 minutes ago00:56Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours agoShareMore About World News Zambia Elections AfricaYou may also like01:14Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 7 minutes ago01:10Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 29 minutes ago00:56Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours agoOn the same subjectNEWS00:58Near-total lunar eclipse as moon passes through Earth's shadow 28/08 - 11:55NEWS01:06Zambian opposition leader Mundubile taken into custody on treason charges 28/08 - 09:48NEWS01:23Police in Ceuta clash with anti-migrant protesters as tensions rise 28/08 - 08:45NEWS01:33SA court postpones extradition hearing of UK man charged with murdering family 28/08 - 07:28NEWS00:41Qatar’s foreign minister visits Tehran as efforts to ease Iran-U.S. crisis continue 27/08 - 18:21NEWS01:00Rescuers search for survivors follow catastrophic flash floods in Nepal 27/08 - 16:21More stories01:25General Abdourahamane TchianiCalm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 7 hours ago01:02CoupVote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 6 hours ago00:56United KingdomNotting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours agoRead the full article at Africanews