Miles Sampa may go to jail for two years over ballot paper photo; ECZ says it has not yet seen image in question

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has addressed growing public discourse surrounding a circulating social media image purportedly depicting politician Miles Sampa revealing his ballot. Speaking during a media briefing, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro noted that while the electoral body is aware of rising online chatter concerning marked ballot papers, the specific image attributed to Sampa has not yet been formally tabled before the Commission. Mr. Kasaro emphasized that photographing and publicly sharing marked ballots undermines the foundational integrity and secrecy of the vote, which is strictly safeguarded under Zambian electoral law. According to Section 91(1) of the Electoral Process Act, any action that compromises the confidential nature of casting a ballot constitutes an electoral offense. The law provides explicit punitive measures under Section 91(4), stipulating that individuals found guilty of breaching ballot secrecy can face prosecution leading to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, a fine, or both. This development adds to a growing list of controversies involving high-profile political figures and electoral compliance in Zambia. Sampa, a notable and often polarizing political actor, has frequently found himself at the center of media scrutiny and legal battles regarding electoral processes. Legal experts and civil society organizations have consistently reminded political actors that adherence to electoral regulations is mandatory, regardless of political standing or status. As the debate intensifies across digital spaces, civic educators and election watchdogs have renewed calls for restraint and strict compliance with voting protocols. The ECZ has reiterated its commitment to upholding electoral integrity, urging members of the public and political candidates alike to refrain from behavior that could jeopardize democratic processes or bring the administration of elections into disrepute. Law enforcement and releva