Opposition Parties Call for Resignation of MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and CEO David Mpesi Over Alleged MCP Ties

By Burnett Munthali

Several opposition parties in Malawi are demanding the immediate resignation of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Executive Officer David Mpesi, accusing them of having close ties with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). The parties argue that these associations compromise the integrity of the upcoming 2025 elections.

• Islamic Research Care and Support calls for compassion towards prison inmates
  By Burnett Munthali Islamic Research Care and Support has urged well-wishers across the country to remember and support people serving…
• Pope Francis appoints Right Reverend Nyirenda as new bishop of Mzuzu Diocese
  By Burnett Munthali The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has appointed Right Reverend Sugzo Yohane Nyirenda as the…
• Raising awareness: The urgent need to educate Malawians on the disability act
  By Burnett Munthali The Executive Director for Human Rights for Women and Girls with Disabilities in Malawi, Stella Nkhonya, has…
• ACP Bekete transferred to Mangochi as Officer In-Charge
  By Burnett Munthali State Residences Deputy Guard Commander, popularly known as Twicee, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Limbani Bekete, has…
• Patel calls on Muslims to show mercy to the underprivileged
  By Dean Chisambo The Chairperson of the Sunni Foundation, Aamir Patel, has urged Muslims to show mercy and extend support…
• The Rise of the Tonse Alliance
  The Genesis of the Alliance – The political landscape before 2020 and the need for opposition unity Before the formation…
• Jumah urges Malawians to destroy chains of hostage
  By Vincent Gunde The Revolutionary and patriotic citizen of Malawi Bantu Saunders Jumah, has urged patriotic Malawians living in diaspora…
• Concerned Moslem accuses Salima Sheikh of bringing politics into Islam
  By Vincent Gunde A Concerned Moslem has accused Sheikh Sosola of Salima of taking Malawi Congress Party (MCP) politics into…

The opposition has expressed dissatisfaction with the way preparations for next year’s elections are being handled, citing the introduction of new and unfamiliar voting procedures as a major concern. The introduction of electronic vote-counting machines by MEC has been a particular point of contention, with opposition parties fearing that this could open the door to vote rigging in favor of the ruling party.

In a joint statement, opposition leaders expressed their concern: “The new voting system proposed by MEC is questionable, and it has not been explained clearly to the public. We fear that these machines could be manipulated to favor the ruling party, and this raises doubts about the transparency of the elections.”

The opposition also criticized MEC for refusing to engage independent audit firms to monitor the electoral process, as was done in previous elections. They argue that having independent observers is crucial for maintaining transparency and ensuring that the elections are free and fair.

“It is shocking that MEC has refused to bring in independent audit companies to monitor the election process, which was standard practice in the past. Without such oversight, the credibility of the elections is at risk,” said a spokesperson for the opposition.

As tensions rise ahead of the 2025 elections, the opposition has vowed to continue pressing for reforms within MEC, including the resignation of Mtalimanja and Mpesi. They argue that only with impartial leadership can MEC ensure that the elections are conducted fairly and without bias.

For now, MEC has defended its actions, stating that the new voting procedures are intended to modernize the election process and improve efficiency. However, with the growing pressure from opposition parties and their supporters, the debate over the conduct of the 2025 elections is likely to intensify in the coming months.

The opposition’s demands underscore the high stakes involved in Malawi’s upcoming elections, and all eyes will be on how MEC responds to these concerns as the election date approaches.