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International election observers have expressed serious concerns about Zambia’s presidential election held on Thursday, citing widespread reports of intimidation and violence that disrupted the voting process. Observer teams from the European Union and the Southern African Development Community temporarily halted vote counting on Friday after security incidents at polling stations, including violence directed at electoral staff and allegations of ballot theft. Counting resumed several hours later after authorities declared the immediate security threat contained.
The election featured incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, seeking reelection with the ruling United Party for National Development, facing opposition candidate Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity. Preliminary official results released Saturday showed Hichilema leading with approximately 52.6 percent of the partial count, while Mundubile garnered 42.1 percent. However, Mundubile disputed the results, claiming his party’s independent tally showed different numbers and alleging irregularities including military involvement in tallying centers.
Regional observer Samuel Tembenu reported receiving unverified accounts of intimidation, assault, abduction, and property damage across five provinces, with at least one death confirmed. European Union observer Michael McNamara noted the election occurred within a restricted democratic environment marked by state media bias favoring the incumbent. Police confirmed nine arrests related to the death of a polling agent, though authorities maintained voting proceeded peacefully otherwise.
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Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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