Malawi Electoral Commission Faces Pressure Over Election Preparations
CSOs Demand Transparency Ahead of National Consultative Forum
By Pemphero Malimba & Mercy Matonga
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Malawi have intensified calls for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to address concerns about voter registration irregularities as stakeholders prepare for today’s National Elections Consultative Forum (NECOF) meeting in Lilongwe.
Presidential Briefing Precedes Key Meeting
The crucial meeting follows MEC’s presentation to President Lazarus Chakwera on Monday, where Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, MEC chairperson, delivered a comprehensive report on preparations for the September 16 General Elections.
According to MEC communications, the commission updated the President on critical election matters including:
- Voter registration progress
- Voter transfer processes
- Procurement of election materials
- Voter register verification
- Candidate nomination procedures
CSOs Raise Critical Concerns
Aloisious Nthenda of the Centre for Democracy and Elections emphasized the need for clarity: “We expect MEC to explain how they’ve addressed missing voter details in the preliminary register and other registration concerns.”
Benedicto Kondowe, Chairperson of the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum, outlined key expectations:
“We demand transparency in election material procurement, equal media access for candidates, credible nomination processes, and measures against electoral violence.”
Seven-Day Ultimatum Issued
A coalition of CSOs including Concerned Citizens of Malawi and Human Rights Ambassadors has given MEC seven days to respond to allegations of widespread registration irregularities causing voter disenfranchisement.
MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa confirmed receipt of the concerns, stating the commission would address them appropriately.
Election Statistics and Security Measures
Recent MEC data shows:
- 7.2 million registered voters
- 60,761 successful voter transfers
- 19 targeted transfers for missing records
The commission maintains its position against independent ICT auditors for election systems, citing security concerns.