Some politicians, despite having spent years circling the corridors of power, still confuse speed with leadership and noise with evidence. At the Office of Common Sense, we observe thatelection periods have a strange effect on certain seasoned figures. Facts become optional, verification feels like a delay, and rumours suddenly qualify as intelligence briefings. This week’s civic lesson comes courtesy of Matero Central Casting, fronted by the energetic and well travelled Honourable Ten Metres, a man who has held enough public offices to know better, yet still managed to sprint past common sense.
In his enthusiasm to protect democracy, Honourable Ten Metres accused the Electoral Commission of Zambia of operating a “ghost” polling station during the Chawama by election. The allegation landed loudly, spread quickly, and alarmed many citizens. Unfortunately, it arrived without confirmation. After ECZ demanded accountability, the Honourable Member later acknowledged that the polling station was legitimate, manned by ECZ officials and police, and that voting and counting were conducted openly. He apologised and accepted responsibility, promising to verify information before issuing future statements. The Office of Common Sense applauds the apology, but also reminds the nation that in leadership, apologies are not erasers. Words spoken carelessly can damage institutions long before corrections arrive.
This episode offers a timely lesson to all politicians, especially during election years democracy is not defended by panic, suspicion, or social media declarations. It is protected by discipline, restraint, and respect for institutions. When senior leaders make unverified claims, they do not just embarrass themselves they shake public confidence, invite unnecessary tension, and place pressure on systems meant to serve everyone impartially. Elections are already emotional enough. They do not need extra drama from experienced hands who should be calming the waters, not stirring them. The Office of Common Sense therefore urges all aspiring leaders, incumbents, and veterans alike to remember this simple rule verify first, speak later. Political competition must never come at the expense of truth, national stability, or institutional trust. In an election year, leadership is measured not by how loudly one shouts fraud, but by how responsibly one handles facts. Democracy is a marathon, not a ten metre dash.
