By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has come under renewed scrutiny following its response to a letter from concerned citizens demanding the resignation of its chairperson, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja. The calls for her resignation stem from alleged irregularities in the ongoing voter registration process, which the group says undermines the credibility of Malawi’s electoral system.
In a statement, MEC dismissed the resignation demands, directing the concerned citizens to the Judicial Service Commission, which oversees judicial appointments and removals, including that of the MEC chairperson.
The response has drawn sharp criticism from the concerned citizens. In an exclusive interview with The Maravi Times, their spokesperson, Edwards Kambanje, described Mtalimanja’s reaction as regrettable:
“Her response is regrettable and demonstrates a lack of accountability to the people of Malawi. Instead of addressing the serious issues raised, it appears she is deflecting responsibility. Such a stand further erodes public confidence in her ability to lead effectively,” said Kambanje.
The group highlighted several concerns about the voter registration process, including inadequate public awareness, technical glitches, and allegations of favoritism. They argue that these issues risk disenfranchising a significant portion of eligible voters ahead of the 2025 elections.
The group also criticized MEC’s suggestion to redirect their concerns to the Judicial Service Commission as a tactic to avoid addressing the substantive issues:
“We take this as an attempt to shift focus and avoid dealing with the core issue of competence and integrity within MEC. However, we will not relent; we will follow the appropriate channels to ensure accountability. If that means engaging the Judicial Service Commission, we will do so while keeping public pressure alive,” Kambanje added.
Determined to push for reforms, the group has announced plans to escalate the matter. They are preparing to engage the Judicial Service Commission formally and are also exploring legal and advocacy measures to ensure the integrity of Malawi’s electoral process.
“Our next step will be to escalate the matter. We will engage the Judicial Service Commission formally while continuing to mobilize public support to ensure that Malawians’ voices are heard. Additionally, we are considering legal and advocacy measures to compel reforms and accountability in MEC. The fight for transparency and fairness in our electoral process is far from over,” Kambanje emphasized.
This dispute comes at a critical juncture as Malawi prepares for its 2025 general elections. Analysts warn that unresolved issues in the voter registration process could undermine the election’s credibility, further eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
Justice Anabel Mtalimanja and MEC now face mounting pressure to address the allegations transparently and take corrective action to restore public confidence in Malawi’s electoral system. For now, the battle between MEC and the concerned citizens continues, with the future of Malawi’s democracy hanging in the balance.
