‘I’ve won’: Mundubile claims Zambia presidency as vote count is suspended

Zambia’s election descended into turmoil today after the country’s electoral commission was forced to suspend the counting and announcement of results nationwide — following brutal attacks on polling staff and the theft of marked ballot papers.

The dramatic intervention plunged the nation into uncertainty just a day after millions cast their votes, with opposition candidate Brian Mundubile now publicly claiming victory over incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema.

Announcing the shock decision, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis SC revealed officials had been forced to act after a wave of violence broke out in several districts during the counting process.

“The violence is targeted at poll staff and in some instances has resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes,” she said grimly.

In an unprecedented move, the commission invoked Section 67(3) of the Electoral Process Act to freeze the entire count with immediate effect — not just in the worst-hit areas, but right across the country.

“The Commission has with immediate effect suspended the counting and announcement of results throughout the country,” the statement read.

Officials have vowed to review the suspension within 24 hours — offering a glimmer of hope the process could resume if the security situation calms.

But the move marks an alarming escalation in tensions, sparking serious concerns over the safety of election workers and the integrity of the final result. Critics warn the theft of already-marked ballots could cast a shadow over whatever outcome is eventually declared.

The commission has so far refused to name the specific districts hit by the unrest — but the decision to impose a blanket nationwide halt suggests the disorder was far more widespread than first feared.

Adding fuel to the fire, opposition challenger Brian Mundubile has already declared himself the winner, citing figures from his own parallel vote tabulation — a claim the ECZ has not verified.

As the clock ticks down on the 24-hour review, anxious citizens, political parties and international observers are left waiting to see whether Zambia’s election can be salvaged — or whether the crisis will deepen further.