LUSAKA— Zambia’s Electoral Commission has suspended the counting and announcement of results from Thursday’s presidential election nationwide, citing reports of violence and the theft of marked ballot papers.

In a statement issued Friday, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said violence had been reported in some districts, with polling staff targeted and, in some cases, marked ballots allegedly stolen 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 suspension was made because of the prevailing security situation and continued threats of violence. It said the decision was taken under Section 67(3) of the Electoral Process Act.

The ECZ said it would review the suspension within 24 hours.

The suspension comes as competing political camps have expressed confidence in the election outcome, with opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile claiming victory while incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema has said his camp is receiving “encouraging results.”

The development is likely to delay the release of the official presidential result as authorities assess the security situation and electoral materials.