EVERY election year, Zambia is confronted with allegations of rigging, secret ballot papers, foreign voters, compromised officials and hidden training programmes. Some of these claims may arise from genuine suspicion, while others are manufactured for political advantage. Whatever their source, they cannot be treated casually. False claims about an election can destroy public confidence, delegitimise institutions and prepare citizens to reject results even before the printing of ballot papers is done.
Leaders of political parties must therefore distance themselves from unverified allegations and restrain their supporters from spreading them. Anyone seeking the presidency has a duty to protect the country from reckless statements capable of provoking unrest. Political competition does not give candidates permission to set the nation on fire and later blame the Electoral Commission of Zambia when frightened or angry supporters take matters into their own hands.
This does not mean allegations of electoral malpractice should be dismissed. Electoral malpractice exists and is possible. Every credible report must be assessed for its veracity. Where evidence points to misconduct, those accused, including ECZ, must explain themselves transparently. Confidence cannot be demanded through press statements alone; it must be earned through openness, stakeholder participation and prompt answers to legitimate questions. An election outcome can only command respect when citizens believe...
[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] A total of 34.789 billion won in false National Health Insurance claims was detected at 839 health care institutions over the past four years (2022-2025). According to d...