Brian Mundubile Declares Victory as Zambia Suspends Election Results

LUSAKA — Zambia’s presidential election has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after opposition leader Brian Mundubile declared himself the winner, even as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) suspended the counting and announcement of results nationwide.

Mundubile has claimed victory based on the provisional results coming from polling and counting centres, although the ECZ has not officially declared a winner.

The electoral body announced on Friday that it had suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country following reports of violence at some counting and results announcement centres.

Mundubile has claimed victory based on the provisional results coming from polling and counting centres, although the ECZ has not officially declared a winner.

The electoral body announced on Friday that it had suspended the counting and announcement of election results across the country following reports of violence at some counting and results-announcement centres.

According to a press release signed by ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, the violence has targeted polling staff and, in some cases, resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes.

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

The Commission said the decision was made in accordance with Section 67(3) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.

It said the suspension would be reviewed within 24 hours.

The development comes as the presidential race between incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema and Mundubile enters a tense stage.

Mundubile’s declaration of victory is likely to heighten political tensions as the country waits for the official tally.

For now, the ECZ has made it clear that the counting and announcement process is on hold.

Mundubile says he has won. The electoral commission is yet to confirm him as Zambia’s next president.

The next 24 hours could therefore be crucial for Zambia.

The development comes as the presidential race between incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema and Mundubile enters a tense stage.

Mundubile’s declaration of victory is likely to heighten political tensions as the country waits for the official tally.

For now, the ECZ has made it clear that the counting and announcement process is on hold.

Mundubile says he has won. The electoral commission is yet to confirm him as Zambia’s next president.