By Burnett Munthali
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Professor Peter Mutharika has openly questioned the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) decision to continue using Smartmatic Election Management Devices in the upcoming elections.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday at his Page House residence in Mangochi, Mutharika expressed deep skepticism regarding the reliability and credibility of Smartmatic.
He highlighted that the system has faced controversy in several countries, where its use has sparked legal battles, public outrage, and allegations of vote manipulation.
Mutharika wondered why MEC is clinging to a technology that is globally known for creating mistrust and chaos in democratic processes.
He stressed that Malawi cannot afford to walk the same path as nations where Smartmatic’s involvement has led to post-election disputes and civil unrest.
The former president said that, instead of adopting a system with a questionable track record, MEC should explore alternatives that promote transparency and national confidence.
Mutharika warned that the insistence on Smartmatic could compromise the credibility of Malawi’s September elections and lead to unnecessary tensions.
He appealed to MEC to listen to the concerns being raised by Malawians and opposition parties regarding the electoral process.
According to Mutharika, a fair and credible election is the cornerstone of democracy, and any technology involved must meet the highest standards of trust and integrity.
