Malawi Electoral Commission Faces Pressure Over Election Preparations
CSOs Demand Transparency Ahead of National Consultative Forum
By Pemphero Malimba & Mercy Matonga
As Malawi prepares for its September 16 General Elections, civil society organizations (CSOs) are raising critical concerns about electoral preparedness. The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) faces mounting pressure to address voter registration issues as stakeholders gather for today’s National Elections Consultative Forum (NECOF) meeting in Lilongwe.
Presidential Briefing Precedes Stakeholder Meeting
The NECOF meeting follows MEC’s recent briefing with President Lazarus Chakwera, where Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, MEC chairperson, presented the commission’s election preparedness report. The briefing covered:
- Voter registration progress
- Voter transfer processes
- Procurement of election materials
- Voter register verification
- Candidate nomination procedures
CSOs Voice Election Integrity 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.” This comes despite MEC’s previous assurances about resolving transfer issues.
Benedicto Kondowe, Chairperson of the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum, outlined key expectations:
- Transparent procurement processes
- Equal media access for candidates
- Clear election timelines
- Robust contingency plans
Kondowe praised MEC’s briefing with President Chakwera as a positive transparency measure but cautioned: “This gesture must translate into concrete actions that build stakeholder confidence.”
Coalition Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum
A coalition of CSOs including Concerned Citizens of Malawi and Human Rights Ambassadors has issued a seven-day ultimatum to MEC, citing:
- Widespread registration irregularities
- Voter disenfranchisement concerns
- Growing public disillusionment
MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa confirmed receipt of the concerns, stating the commission would respond appropriately.
Recent Election Statistics
Recent MEC data shows:
- 7.2 million registered voters
- 60,761 successful voter transfers
- 19 voters requiring special transfer attention
The commission maintains its position against independent ICT auditors for election systems, citing security concerns.