By Burnett Munthali
In a bold move that further escalates the political tension in Malawi ahead of the 2025 general elections, opposition parties have delivered a resolute letter to the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, demanding urgent compliance with the law and the will of the Malawian people.
The letter, dated Thursday, 7th November 2024, comes in response to what the opposition parties describe as “the mismanagement” of the electoral process by MEC, coupled with an increasing sense of public disillusionment. It serves as a firm reminder of the opposition’s two previous press statements, where they laid out a series of demands to address the electoral irregularities that have marred the process. The letter stresses that the 14-day ultimatum they issued in their last press briefing will expire on 13th November 2024, leaving the electoral body with little time to address the concerns raised.
A Growing Crisis of Confidence
The opposition parties, led by prominent figures such as Hon. Linda Limbe (AFORD), Hon. Peter Mukhito (DPP), Hon. Dr. Patricia Kaliati (UTM), and Hon. Genarino Lemani (UDF), have expressed growing dissatisfaction with MEC’s handling of voter registration and other electoral processes. They have accused the Commission of undermining the constitutional rights of Malawians and failing to ensure the credibility, fairness, and transparency of the election process.
“The trust in your leadership and the suspicious manner in which MEC and the NRB are running the electoral process is rapidly waning,” the letter states. “There can be no credibility, freedom, and fairness attached to these elections and the results thereof with the path you have chosen to pursue.”
The opposition’s letter highlights several key demands that they argue are critical to ensuring a free and fair election process. Among these demands are the resignation of MEC Chairperson Anabel Mtalimanja, the Chief Executive Officer of MEC, and the immediate termination of the controversial contract with the electoral service provider, SMARTMATIC. The opposition also calls for a complete halt to the second phase of voter registration until all issues from the first phase are resolved.
Demands for Accountability and Transparency
The letter outlines specific demands for MEC’s actions moving forward:
- Resignation of Key Figures: The opposition demands that Justice Anabel Mtalimanja and the CEO of MEC step down immediately due to what they describe as “compromised status” and their failure to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
- Termination of SMARTMATIC Contract: The opposition insists that MEC end its contract with SMARTMATIC, the company contracted to manage the electoral process, citing concerns over the company’s competency and reliability.
- Immediate Resolutions for Voter Registration: The opposition insists that the second phase of voter registration be suspended until all issues from the first phase—ranging from inefficiencies to legal compliance—are addressed.
- Manual Voting Assurance: The opposition demands that all votes and results in the 2025 elections be counted and transmitted manually, in line with the process used during the 2020 elections.
- Independent ICT Auditors: The opposition demands that MEC engage independent ICT auditors to ensure transparency and restore public trust in the election process.
The letter concludes with a warning that failure to meet these demands by 13th November 2024 will result in unspecified actions, including protests and vigils at MEC’s regional and head offices. The opposition made it clear that their efforts will be unrelenting, with their ultimate goal being justice and fairness for the Malawian people.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The letter marks a pivotal moment in Malawi’s political landscape. With just months before the 2025 elections, tensions between the government, the electoral body, and opposition parties are reaching new heights. The opposition is amplifying the frustrations of many Malawians who feel that the country’s electoral process has been compromised and manipulated in favor of the ruling party.
As Malawi moves closer to its next general election, the call for a transparent, fair, and accountable electoral process has never been more urgent. The letter from the opposition parties is a stark reminder that the will of the people cannot be ignored, and their demands for a credible election process must be met. Whether or not MEC responds constructively will determine the path Malawi takes in the coming months.
Conclusion
In this critical moment, the eyes of the nation—and indeed the international community—are on Malawi’s electoral body. The demands outlined by the opposition are not only a call for compliance with the law but also a rallying cry for the future of the country’s democracy. The coming days will be crucial, as Malawi’s leadership faces pressure from all sides to ensure that the 2025 elections are free, fair, and credible.
The opposition’s letter to MEC Chairperson Anabel Mtalimanja is a decisive step in the ongoing battle for electoral integrity, and it sets the stage for what may be a tumultuous period ahead in Malawi’s political landscape.
