The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country following reports of violence in some districts.
In a press release , the Commission said the violence was targeting polling staff and in some cases had resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes.
The ECZ said it had taken the decision because of the security situation and continued threats of violence during the counting and announcement of results.
The suspension has taken immediate effect in accordance with Section 67 (3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.
The Commission said it will review the suspension within 24 hours.
Zambians on Thursday voted in presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, with 14 candidates competing for the presidency.
President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second five-year term, while Brian Mundubile has emerged as the leading opposition challenger among the 13 candidates.
Although 14 candidates appeared on the presidential ballot, the race has largely been viewed as a two-horse contest between Hichilema and Mundubile, who is running under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP).
