Zambia opposition leader claims election victory amid reports of violence

Zambia's presidential election entered a tense phase on Friday after opposition leader Brian Mundubile claimed victory before official results were finalized, while incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema stopped short of declaring a win, saying his camp was receiving "encouraging results" as counting continued.

Voting had been suspended in parts of the country earlier in the week following reports of violence and irregularities at some polling stations. Officials said vote counting was ongoing and that final results could take additional time to confirm.

Hichilema's economic record has been central to the campaign, and concern is mounting over how the outcome will be announced and whether both camps will accept the result. International observers are monitoring the process closely.