President Hakainde Hichilema has stated that allegations concerning the existence of fake or illegal polling stations constitute a criminal offence and should not be treated lightly. Speaking in a phone interview , the President said claiming that a polling station exists where none has been officially designated undermines Zambia’s democratic process and amounts to an offence under the law. The President’s remarks followed claims by Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa, who alleged that during the Chawama parliamentary by-election a fake polling station had been mounted in Lilayi.
President Hichilema said Zambia has made significant efforts to restore electoral credibility and uphold the rule of law, cautioning that irresponsible political statements risk undermining these gains. “Look at Chawama. It used to be the birthplace of panga politics, but today we are having free and fair elections,” the President said.
He called on political players to act responsibly and refrain from spreading misinformation, noting that democratic processes depend on truth and respect for institutions. Meanwhile, police have opened a docket against Mr Sampa following a formal complaint lodged by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The Zambia Police Service confirmed that the complaint was reported at Lusaka Central Police Station on January 19, 2026.
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Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the report was lodged by ECZ Corporate Affairs Officer Raphael Phiri on behalf of the Commission. Mr Chilabi said the matter relates to an incident on polling day during the Chawama by-election, in which Mr Sampa allegedly transmitted information claiming that a fake polling station had been opened along Ring Road in Lusaka. Police said the ECZ maintains that the information was false and misleading.
Following the report, police opened a docket for the offence of transmission of unsolicited or deceptive communication, contrary to Section 19 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. Investigations have since commenced, and police have indicated that the public will be informed of developments as the case progresses.
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