PF Thrives on Dangerous Propaganda, Sampa’s Falsehood Reveals Pattern

In a significant development that highlights the growing concerns over electoral misinformation in Zambia, Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has issued a formal apology to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) after making false claims about a “fake polling station” during the recent Chawama by-election.

The incident, which occurred when Sampa alleged on social media that unauthorized polling was taking place along Lilayi Road, has sparked renewed debate about the responsibility of public figures in Zambia’s increasingly polarized political landscape.

Electoral officials quickly investigated and dismissed the allegations, forcing Sampa to retract his statements. His subsequent apology, however, comes after the misinformation had already spread widely among his substantial following on various social media platforms.

Political analysts note that this case represents more than just an isolated mistake. It exemplifies a troubling pattern in Zambian politics where influential figures can broadcast unverified claims that potentially undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

“When a prominent politician with national reach makes allegations of electoral fraud during active voting, the consequences extend far beyond a simple misunderstanding,” explains Dr. Mulenga Kabwe, a political science professor at the University of Zambia. “Such statements travel rapidly through communities, especially in the age of social media, and can significantly damage public confidence in the electoral process.”

The timing of Sampa’s claims—made during the actual voting period—is particularly problematic. Election monitoring groups have repeatedly warned about the dangers of election-day misinformation, which can discourage voter participation and potentially spark tensions in communities.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing polarization in Zambian politics, where accusations of electoral irregularities have become commonplace. The ECZ has struggled in recent years to maintain public confidence while navigating these challenging political waters.

Emmanuel Mwamba, an electoral governance expert, believes this case demonstrates the need for stronger guardrails around political communication during sensitive electoral periods. “We’re seeing a concerning trend where politicians make inflammatory claims first and verify later,” Mwamba noted. “This reverses the proper order of responsible leadership and threatens electoral integrity.”

For Zambia, a country often praised for its relatively peaceful democratic transitions, maintaining the credibility of electoral processes remains crucial. International observers have previously expressed concern about the rising temperature of political rhetoric in the country.

The ECZ, in accepting Sampa’s apology, reminded all political actors about their responsibility to verify information before sharing it publicly. The Commission has been working to modernize its communication strategies to combat misinformation more effectively, but faces significant challenges in a media environment where false claims can spread faster than corrections.

Civil society organizations have called for politicians to exercise greater restraint, particularly during elections. The Zambia Civic Education Association issued a statement urging political leaders to “prioritize national cohesion over partisan advantage” when communicating about electoral matters.

This incident also raises questions about potential regulatory responses. Some countries have implemented specific penalties for spreading electoral misinformation, though such measures must be balanced against freedom of expression concerns.

For voters in Chawama constituency, the false claims created unnecessary confusion during what should have been a straightforward democratic exercise. Local community leaders reported having to reassure residents that the electoral process remained secure.

As Zambia moves forward, this case serves as a reminder that maintaining electoral integrity requires commitment from all stakeholders—not just electoral officials, but also politicians, media, and citizens themselves.

The ECZ has indicated it will continue to strengthen its rapid response mechanisms to address similar situations in future elections, acknowledging that in today’s digital environment, false claims can cause damage even when quickly retracted.