Amanze Chinonye
Zambia has resumed counting votes from its presidential and parliamentary elections after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) temporarily suspended the process over attacks on election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers, Prime Business Africa reports.
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ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the security situation had been contained after the commission reviewed the threats and consulted law-enforcement agencies, allowing the count to resume.
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The commission suspended counting nationwide on Friday, a day after voters cast their ballots, citing violence targeting polling staff. It also reported the theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes at some locations.
The suspension lasted several hours before the commission announced that security measures had been put in place to restart the process. Counting is continuing under heightened security, including deployments around the main tallying centre in Lusaka.
The ECZ said the first presidential results were expected late Friday, with the full results due by Monday. Its election timetable provides for the receipt and verification of results from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, with the declaration of the result scheduled for Aug. 17.
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The ECZ has urged candidates to refrain from declaring themselves winners before the official tally is completed.
The immediate focus is now on whether the ECZ can complete the count and verification process without further security-related interruptions.
The resumption allows the electoral process to move forward, with the official outcome dependent on the completion and verification of the nationwide tally.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
