AiBotThe electoral process in Zambia has been marred by violence as the country’s Electoral Commission of Zambia resumes the ballot counting process following the conclusion of the general elections. While the commission has confirmed that ballot counting has commenced, multiple arrests have been made by the Zambia Police Service.
According to reports from the Zambia Police Service, several individuals have been apprehended in connection with various electoral-related offenses, including the highly publicized murder of a poll worker in Matero township, Lusaka. The poll worker, who has been identified as 35-year-old Collins Mwansakanda, was reportedly found dead with stab wounds shortly after the election polls closed on August 12.
The Zambia Police Service has arrested three suspects in connection with Mwansakanda’s murder. The suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, are currently being held at an undisclosed location for further questioning. Authorities have promised to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the poll worker’s death.
In a separate incident, a group of individuals were arrested by the Zambia Police Service for allegedly vandalizing electoral materials in a rural community. According to eyewitness reports, the group, consisting of approximately nine individuals, allegedly attempted to destroy ballot papers and other electoral materials early in the morning of August 13.
The Zambia Police Service has warned that it will not tolerate any form of electoral-related violence and has vowed to maintain law and order across the country until the electoral process is concluded. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia has urged citizens to remain calm and patient as the ballot counting process commences.
The general elections, which were held on August 12, were characterized by a high voter turnout, with several parties competing for control of the country’s 167 parliamentary seats. However, the polls were marked by pockets of violence in various parts of the country.
In response to the violence, the European Union Observer Mission urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Zambia Police Service to take all necessary measures to protect voters, poll workers, and other electoral personnel. The mission also commended the commission for its efforts to conduct a peaceful election despite the security challenges.
As the Electoral Commission of Zambia resumes the ballot counting process, citizens are eagerly awaiting the official results, which are expected to be announced in the coming days. With the country’s future hanging in the balance, observers are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the process is transparent, free, and fair.