By Burnett Munthali
A rift has emerged within Malawi’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as party member and Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Commissioner Francis Kasaila has taken a stance that diverges from the party’s official position on the use of Smartmatic technology in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The DPP, along with other opposition parties such as the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), UTM, and United Democratic Front (UDF), has voiced concerns about Smartmatic, alleging that the company’s equipment has been associated with electoral fraud in various countries. These parties are calling for the removal of Smartmatic gadgets and the resignation of MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, whom they accuse of compromising the integrity of the electoral process by endorsing the use of Smartmatic technology.
However, Kasaila has challenged this viewpoint, describing the criticisms as unsubstantiated. In a recent interview with Zodiak Online, he defended the use of Smartmatic, citing its international reputation and track record.
“Smartmatic has a reputation of supplying gadgets for the management of elections across the globe,” Kasaila said. “They supplied election equipment in Zambia, and we haven’t heard any issues. They supplied election materials in Kenya, and there have been no reported problems.”
Kasaila’s comments highlight the complex debate surrounding the use of technology in elections, with some arguing that advanced equipment can improve efficiency and transparency, while others fear it may open doors to manipulation and irregularities.
While there has been no immediate comment from the DPP in response to Kasaila’s statements, the opposition’s call for accountability from MEC officials remains firm. The debate over Smartmatic and its role in the 2024 elections is expected to continue, reflecting broader tensions about electoral integrity and technology use in Malawi’s political landscape.
