Patriotic Front (PF) Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has formally apologized to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) over claims that a “fake” polling station had been set up along Lilayi Road during the Chawama parliamentary by-election.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, January 18, 2025, Mr. Sampa said the ECZ demanded an apology after investigations confirmed that the polling station he had questioned was legitimate.
Mr. Sampa explained that on voting day, at around 10:00 hours, residents alerted him to what they described as a suspicious tent polling station, where voters were allegedly being ferried from Chilanga.
He said he dispatched a PF official to verify the claims, and based on the feedback received—including assertions that party officials did not recognize the station from previous elections—he raised the matter publicly.
However, Mr. Sampa later visited the site himself and was informed by ECZ officials and police officers present that the polling station was duly authorized.
He further disclosed that when he returned to the same polling station at about 18:30 hours, after the close of polls, the results showed the UPND candidate polling 74 votes, Bright Nundwe seven votes, and the National Congress Party candidate four votes, while other candidates recorded no votes.
Despite initially remaining skeptical, Mr. Sampa said subsequent results from Misisi, Kuomboka, Chawama Central, and Kuku areas showed overwhelming support for Mr. Nundwe, who eventually won the by-election.
Mr. Sampa acknowledged that his earlier statement was based on incorrect information and has taken full responsibility for the error.
He added that, in line with the ECZ’s request, he is issuing a formal apology, noting that the decision is also guided by his personal faith.
Mr. Sampa said going forward, he will seek verification directly from ECZ officials before making public statements on electoral matters.
The ECZ has not yet issued a public response to the apology.
By Best Jere
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