By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended counting of votes and the announcement of results in the country’s general election, according to a statement from the commission on Friday.
The statement, signed by Mwangala Zoloumis, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia said the action follows violence targeted at poll staff and theft of ballot papers in ballot boxes.
“The Electoral Commission of Zambia has noted with concern reports of violence during the counting and announcement of results in some districts. The violence is targeted at poll staff and in some instances has resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes,” read the statement.
“In view of the security situation and continued threats of violence, the Commission has with immediate effect suspended the counting and announcement of results throughout the country in accordance with Section 67 (3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016,” it added.
The EC further announced it will review the suspension within 24 hours.
President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term in the Southern African copper producer and is widely thought to have the edge over opposition leader and first-time presidential candidate Brian Mundubile. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the statement from the Electoral Commission of Zambia below;
