Observers say Zambia’s election marred by reports of intimidation, violence

International observers monitoring Zambia's presidential election have voiced significant concerns regarding intimidation and alleged abductions, following a suspension of vote counting due to violence at polling stations. Missions from the European Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) urged political parties to de-escalate inflammatory rhetoric as vote tallies were being processed.

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The mission at the moment urges all contestants, their supporters, and all stakeholders to remain calm.

The vote counting process was halted on Friday after electoral commission officials cited security threats, including reports of violence against polling staff and the alleged theft of ballot papers. Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that counting resumed hours later after authorities declared the security situation contained. However, the temporary suspension has fueled apprehension among stakeholders.

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It is for the Zambian authorities to outline in full the reasons for the decision-making.

Brian Mundubile, the main opposition challenger, stated that the suspension "raises legitimate fears" and could potentially allow for result manipulation. Conversely, Mark Simuuwe, campaign media director for incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, dismissed these concerns as "panicking" from the opposition, asserting the legitimacy of the results and accusing Mundubile's party of causing disruptions.

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The suspension raises legitimate fears.

Samuel Tembenu, leading the SADC observer mission, noted that his team could not observe the counting during the suspension period. He added that the incident caused "uncertainty and anxiety" and that the mission had received unverified reports of intimidation, assault, abduction, and property damage across five provinces, with some reports indicating injuries and at least one fatality. Michael McNamara, chief observer for the EU mission, called on Zambian authorities to fully explain the reasons behind the suspension, while also commenting on a "backdrop of constrained democratic space" due to incumbency advantages and biased state media coverage.

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The opposition is panicking.