The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and CCAP Synod of Livingstonia has joined choruses condemning political violence, but also decry misinformation regarding the use of Smartmatic machine ahead of the September 16 polls.
In a strongly worded statement, HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence says Malawians deserve elections focusedon real issues—not a circus of chaos, insults, and intimidation.
He urges political leaders to stand up and adhere to the code of conduct that promotes peace and togetherness.
With regards to Smartmatic machine, Trapence says the current debate about the technology is dangerously misleading.
“The problem isn’t the technology. The real threat to Malawi’s democracy is the deliberate manipulation of our electoral system by those who profit from disorder, loopholes, and secrecy.
“Whether the system is manual or electronic, the integrity of the electoral process depends on the integrity of those managing it. It’s not the tool that rigs elections—it’s the hands that wield it,” he argues.
