Zambia's election commission on Friday suspended the counting of votes and announcement of election results nationwide after reports of violence in some districts targeting election officials.

Election officials told a briefing there had been instances where marked ballot papers in ballot boxes had been stolen, adding it would review the suspension within 24 hours.

The Southern African country held presidential, parliamentary and local government elections on Thursday.

President Hakainde Hichilema is running for a second term after steering the major copper producer out of a debt crisis since taking office in 2021.

Analysts say he is favoured to win, although the leading opposition candidate Brian Mundubile has drawn large crowds in some areas.

The full results were previously expected to be announced on Monday. It was unclear whether the suspension would change that.

Hichilema, in a post on X, has called for citizens to “remain peaceful, patient and patriotic as we await the official outcome from those entrusted with managing the vote.”