Government Warns Against Fake AI Video of Late President Lungu

The Government has cautioned the public over an alleged plan to circulate an Artificial Intelligence-generated video purportedly showing the late President Edgar Lungu endorsing a particular candidate ahead of tomorrow's general elections.

Speaking at a media briefing, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said the Government was also aware of a message falsely attributed to former First Lady Esther Lungu, which allegedly urges voters to back a specific presidential candidate on behalf of her late husband.

Mr. Kawana dismissed both messages as fabrications and appealed to members of the public to be vigilant against false content being spread on social media. He urged Zambians not to be misled by material designed to deceive voters in the final hours of the campaign.

He further alleged that there were plans to stage an attack on opposition leader Brian Mundubile or his running mate, Mr. Makebi Zulu, in a bid to implicate the Government and state agents. Mr. Kawana firmly rejected any such intent, assuring the public that the Government had no desire to harm any political player and would work to protect voters, their property and the integrity of the electoral process.

Mr. Kawana encouraged all eligible voters to turn out in large numbers tomorrow and exercise their democratic right. He warned, however, that anyone seeking to disrupt the polls or incite violence would face the full force of the law.