Zambia's opposition leader expresses 'grave concern' as vote count suspended

Zambia's opposition leader expresses 'grave concern' as vote count suspendedElection workers count ballots at a polling station in Lusaka, Zambia, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.   -   Copyright © africanews Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.By Rédaction Africanews and APLast updated: 14/08 - 17:35ZambiaZambia’s opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has raised “grave concern” after the country’s electoral commission suspended vote counting nationwide amid reports of violence. Mundubile said his party’s Parallel Voter Tabulation, based on results collected from polling stations and tallying centres across the country, indicated that he had won the presidential election and secured a majority of seats in parliament. He called for the immediate publication and verification of the official results, warning that delays could create opportunities for interference or manipulation.“The will of the Zambian people” must be independently verified, Mundubile said, calling for all stakeholders to have access to relevant electoral records. Zambians went to the polls on Thursday in an election dominated by concerns over economic hardship. President Hakainde Hichilema, who has been in power since 2021, faced Mundubile, a former minister in the previous Patriotic Front government. Around 8.7 million people were registered to vote. Voters were also choosing members of parliament, with the legislature expanded from 156 to 226 seats. Official presidential results were expected on Monday. The election comes as Zambia, a major copper producer in southern Africa, continues to grapple with economic challenges, making the outcome closely watched both at home and abroad.You may also likeHaiti mourns victims of Kenscoff gang attack as fear grips community 3 minutes ago01:14Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 15 minutes ago01:10Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 37 minutes agoShareMore About Zambia Presidential elections Legislative election Opposition Hakainde HichilemaYou may also likeHaiti mourns victims of Kenscoff gang attack as fear grips community 3 minutes ago01:14Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 15 minutes ago01:10Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 37 minutes agoOn the same subjectNEWS01:02Guinea: France joins calls for transparent investigation into mass grave 28/08 - 21:28NEWS01:06Zambian opposition leader Mundubile taken into custody on treason charges 28/08 - 09:48NEWS01:05Opposition urges African Union to intervene in Zambia's disputed election 27/08 - 17:13NEWS01:06Uganda President’s son Muhoozi announces 2031 presidential bid 26/08 - 22:44NEWS01:11Zambia courts shut on final day for election challenge 25/08 - 15:38NEWS01:11Tanzanian opposition leader to face trial on treason charges 21/08 - 15:23More 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