Zambia suspends vote counting after attacks on polling staff and ballot theft

The electoral commission announced on Tuesday that recent violence at several polling stations had resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers. Officials said the incidents occurred during the early hours of voting in multiple districts, prompting an immediate security response and the temporary suspension of ballot counting in the affected areas.

Commission spokespersons confirmed that the stolen ballots are being investigated as part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of the election. Authorities have launched a forensic review of the compromised precincts, increased police presence at remaining polling sites, and urged voters to report any further irregularities. The commission emphasized that the theft will not alter the overall timetable for announcing results, which is expected to proceed once the investigation is concluded.