Vote counting in Zambia’s presidential election was suspended by the electoral authority on Friday over reports of attacks on polling officials and the theft of some ballot papers.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia said it was suspending the counting immediately “in view of the security situation and continued threats of violence.”

It did not say who might be responsible for the alleged theft. The commission said it would review the decision in 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Zambia awaits the results of an election that will decide whether President Hakainde Hichilema wins a second five-year term as a reward for his economic recovery plan.

The southern African nation is one of the world’s top copper producers but has recently been mired in a debt crisis.

China is heavily invested in Zambia’s copper sector, while the United States has shown new interest in the country as part of President Donald Trump’s focus on critical minerals to ease China’s dominance in that area.

• An AP report