By Rick Dzida
The opposition parties, civil society groups, and certain individuals have expressed their sentiments that Annabel Ntalimanja, the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission, should step down from her position due to accusations of assisting incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera in committing electoral fraud. Are these sentiments justifiable?
For starters, Annabel Ntalimanja’s appointment was backed by the Malawi Judicial Commission, which suggests that her selection was based on a thorough and impartial evaluation of her qualifications and capabilities. This endorsement indicates a level of trust and confidence in her ability to perform her duties effectively.
Furthermore, since no relative of Annabel is a presidential candidate, there is no apparent conflict of interest that could compromise her impartiality or the integrity of the electoral process. This lack of familial ties to any political candidate reinforces her position as a neutral figure in the electoral landscape.
Moreover, Annabel has not held any position within a political party including the alleged Malawi Congress Party, which further supports her impartiality. Her lack of political ties means she is less likely to be influenced by party politics, allowing her to focus on her responsibilities as MEC Chair without bias.
Additionally, there is currently no evidence to suggest that Annabel Ntalimanja has engaged in or supported electoral fraud. Without concrete evidence of wrongdoing, calls for her resignation are unfounded because they undermine the principle of due process and fair treatment.
Besides the aforementioned substantive justifications, Annabel’s resignation at this critical juncture will most likely disrupt the preparations for the upcoming general elections scheduled for 16 September 2025. An abrupt leadership change may lead to delays in the electoral calendar, affecting the overall integrity and smooth execution of the electoral process. It must be emphasized that stability in leadership is essential to ensure that the elections are conducted fairly and efficiently.
Frankly speaking, Annabel Ntalimanja, as the daughter of former MCP leader John Tembo, has the right to hold public office. Her familial connections should not disqualify her from serving in a position of authority, provided there is no conflict of interest. It is important to recognize that merit and capability should be the primary criteria for public service roles, rather than familial ties.
This therefore implies that instead of resigning, Annabel has the opportunity to strengthen public trust in the electoral process by actively engaging with opposition parties and civil society organizations. By addressing their concerns and demonstrating transparency and accountability, she can foster a more inclusive environment that reassures all stakeholders of the integrity of the electoral process. This proactive approach can help bridge divides and enhance confidence in the electoral management body.
In fact, Annabel should prioritize transparency regarding the allegations of deleted voter records within the electoral system. This can be achieved by publicly addressing the concerns, providing clear explanations of the processes involved, and outlining the steps taken to investigate these allegations. Regular updates should be communicated to the public to build trust and confidence in the electoral process.
Furthermore, despite potential security protocol concerns, it is crucial for Annabel to facilitate the engagement of independent ICT auditors with the MEC’s ICT team. This collaboration will help ensure that the electoral system’s integrity is thoroughly assessed and verified. The findings of these audits should be made public to enhance transparency and accountability, reassuring stakeholders of the system’s reliability.
Much as the MEC’s legal team has tried to actively communicate with the general public regarding the security measures in place for the Smartmatic electoral system at the Catholic University, Annabel should ensure that all relevant stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public, are actively involved in discussions about security concerns. This inclusive approach will foster a sense of shared responsibility and trust in the electoral process, as well as provide a platform for addressing any lingering doubts or questions.
In conclusion, Annabel Ntalimanja’s resignation is not necessary as it may have negative implications for the electoral process. Her appointment was legitimate, her right to serve in public office should be upheld, and there is no evidence of her involvement in electoral fraud. Fortunately, Annabel has the potential to enhance public trust through engagement and transparency with all stakeholders.
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