Zambia Election Update: Hakainde Hichilema is holding an early presidential lead as ECZ consolidates results from 49 of 226 constituencies, with 438,708 votes versus Brian Mundubile’s 351,281—an 87,427-vote gap—after counting resumed following a pause linked to violence and alleged ballot theft. Observer Concerns: EU and SADC election observers say the process was marred by reports of intimidation, abductions and attacks on polling staff, urging parties to cool rhetoric while counting and verification continue. Vote Counting Disruptions: ECZ suspended counting for several hours after security threats, then restarted once officials said the threat was contained, as police reported arrests over the killing of a polling agent. Regional Spotlight: South Africa is set to take over the SADC chair at the August 17 summit in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda. Tragedy on Lake Kariba: In Zimbabwe, the ferry disaster death toll has risen to 68 after 22 more bodies were recovered, with earlier reports putting the total at 72 as searches continue. Green Jobs Push: Zambia, Japan and the ILO launched a sustainable e-waste management project in Central Province aimed at creating youth employment while protecting the environment.