UPND RESPECTS ECZ PAUSE BUT URGES SWIFT RETURN TO RESULTS
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has said it respects the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision to pause the counting and announcement of results, while urging that verified figures reach the public as quickly as possible.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, a member of the party’s National Management Committee, said the UPND fully respected the Commission’s independence and its constitutional mandate over the collation, verification and announcement of results.
He said the safety of ECZ staff and members of the public must be the top priority, and called on the relevant authorities to guarantee it so that the work could continue without fear or disruption. Zambians had every right to celebrate their democracy, he added, encouraging them to do so peacefully and with dignity.
Mr Haimbe stressed, however, that it was vital verified results reached the public without delay. An information vacuum, he warned, was “fertile ground for rumour” and for the unverified claims of victory already circulating. The steady announcement of verified results, he said, was the best antidote to misinformation and the surest guarantee of public calm.
He urged all political stakeholders to give the Commission every cooperation so that announcements could resume at the earliest opportunity, and called on the ECZ to keep the nation informed at every stage.
“The UPND has declared nothing and will declare nothing,” Mr Haimbe said, adding that only the Commission could announce the outcome of the election.
STATEMENT ON THE PAUSE OF COUNTING AND ELECTION RESULTS
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, Member of the UPND National Management Committee
Lusaka, 14 August 2026
The UPND notes the announcement made by the Electoral Commission of Zambia. We fully respect the Commission’s independence and its constitutional mandate over the collation, verification and announcement of results.
The safety of ECZ staff and of members of the public must be the top priority, and we call on the relevant authorities to guarantee it so that this vital work can continue without fear or disruption. Zambians have every right to celebrate our democracy, and we encourage them to do so as they conducted this election. Peacefully, and with the dignity that has made our nation proud.
That said, it is vital that verified results reach the public as quickly as possible. An information vacuum is fertile ground for rumour and for the unverified claims of victory already circulating.
The steady announcement of verified results is the best antidote to misinformation and the surest guarantee of public calm. We therefore encourage all political stakeholders to give the Commission every support and cooperation necessary for announcements to resume at the earliest opportunity, and we urge the Commission to keep the nation informed at every stage.
The UPND has declared nothing and will declare nothing. Only the Commission can announce the outcome of this election. Zambians delivered a peaceful, well administered poll and cast their votes with patience and dignity. They deserve to see the results announced without undue delay.
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC
Member of the National Management Committee, United Party for National Development