On 14 August 2026, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) temporarily suspended vote counting and the announcement of results following reports of violence against election officials and theft of ballot papers during the 13 August general elections. The suspension affected the presidential and parliamentary results.
According to Reuters, the ECZ lifted the suspension later on 14 August after determining that the security threat had been contained. ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis stated that results would be announced progressively and warned candidates against declaring themselves winners before the official results. Final presidential results were expected by 17 August.
The interruption occurred amid heightened political tensions. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile claimed his party had won, while President Hakainde Hichilema urged citizens to remain patient and peaceful. The ECZ reiterated that only the Commission has authority to announce official results.