Zambia election: Vote counting resumes after pause over alleged attacks on polling staff - BBC News

The electoral commission said violence had "resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers".

Image source, ReutersImage caption, Counting began on Thursday evening as soon as polls had closed

Zambia's electoral commission has resumed the counting of votes from Thursday's presidential, parliamentary and local elections after it was halted over alleged attacks on polling staff.

The authority paused the process nationwide expressing concern about reports of violence that had "resulted in the theft of marked ballot papers in ballot boxes".

President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second five-year term. Brian Mundubile is the main opposition candidate among 13 challengers.

The electoral commission has set itself the target of announcing the results by the end of Sunday.