ECZ Demands Apology from Miles Sampa MP Over False Polling Station Claims

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has demanded an apology from Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa over what it has described as false allegations, failing which legal proceedings will be instituted against him.

The demand follows claims circulating on social media, attributed to Mr Sampa, alleging that the Commission had set up a fake polling station along Lilayi Road for the Chawama parliamentary by-election. Mr Sampa is further alleged to have reported the matter to Chilanga Police Station.

In a statement issued yesterday, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the allegations were false, misleading and unfounded.

Mr Kasaro said there are 111 gazetted polling stations in Chawama Constituency, two of which are located at Mutason Shopping Centre along Lilayi Road and are operating in tents.

"Members of the public may also wish to know that all the 111 gazetted polling stations opened at 06:00 hours and will close at the official time of 18:00 hours," he stated.

Mr Kasaro said the Commission found it absurd that such serious allegations could be made by a Member of Parliament without verification.

"These allegations were disseminated publicly in a manner that may cause unnecessary alarm, confusion and mistrust among voters and stakeholders," he said.

The ECZ has given Mr Sampa a deadline to issue a public apology or face legal action.