By Gabriel Manyati
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema maintains a clear early lead over main challenger Brian Mundubile as Zambia’s Electoral Commission presses ahead with results from Thursday’s general elections, after briefly suspending the nationwide count over reports of violence and ballot theft.
As of Saturday evening, results from 27 of the country’s 226 constituencies showed Hichilema of the United Party for National Development with 243 509 votes against Mundubile’s 161 883 for the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity. The partial tally, covering a limited share of the more than 8.7 million registered voters, still leaves the vast majority of constituencies outstanding.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia had halted counting and results announcements on Friday, citing attacks on polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers in some districts.
Commission chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis later announced the process would resume, telling a briefing: “Following a review of the security situation and consultations with the relevant law enforcement agencies, I’m pleased to inform you and to inform the nation that the security threat to the electoral process has been contained, and that the necessary measures have been put in place to enable the process to continue.”
The first official batch, released late Friday from just four constituencies, had already placed Hichilema ahead with 22 476 votes to Mundubile’s 14 388. Subsequent figures have widened that gap, though regional patterns remain evident – Hichilema dominating in southern and central strongholds while Mundubile posts stronger showings in parts of the east, Copperbelt and north.
Mundubile, whose alliance draws support linked to backers of the late former president Edgar Lungu, claimed victory on Friday based on his party’s parallel tabulation. He voiced sharp concern after the suspension, stating: “We have serious grounds for concern that the widespread intimidation surrounding this election is being orchestrated and exploited by elements associated with the state, in a manner to interfere with the democratic will of the Zambian people.”
Hichilema, seeking a second five-year term after steering the copper-rich nation through debt restructuring, has urged calm. His camp described early returns as encouraging while calling on supporters to remain peaceful and await official results.
International observers, including the Southern African Development Community mission, reported a largely peaceful voting day at the stations they monitored but expressed concern over the temporary halt in counting. They urged all parties to allow the Electoral Commission to complete its work and to channel any grievances through legal channels.
A candidate requires more than 50 percent of the valid vote to avoid a runoff. Full presidential results were originally expected early next week, though the brief suspension has introduced some delay. Parliamentary and local contests are being tallied alongside the presidential race under Zambia’s expanded constituency system.
With only a fraction of constituencies reported, the picture remains fluid. Officials have scheduled further batch announcements as verification continues.
