By Comrade Jumbe
“A bird does not change its feathers because the weather is bad.” Likewise, a nation must never abandon its principles when challenges arise.
Today, we find ourselves at a dilemma —a defining moment for Malawi’s democracy.
As citizens of this great republic, we are bound by duty, not just by choice, to safeguard the sanctity of the vote.
The growing concerns around the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), the Smartmatic voting technology, and the conduct of some of its key officials demand not silence, but bold civic action.
We, the people of Malawi, call upon MEC to open its doors to independent Information Technology (IT) experts from civil society and political parties.
Imran Jumbe
This is not a favor—it is a right. If the process is clean, there is nothing to fear. “He who hides the drum does so because he fears its beat.” Transparency builds trust; secrecy breeds suspicion.
We categorically demand:
- An Independent Audit of Smartmatic Machines:
To restore public trust, a joint team of independent, neutral, and locally approved IT professionals must be allowed to thoroughly inspect and audit all digital systems and servers used in the electoral process. No voice should be excluded. - Immediate Resignation of Anabel Mtalimanja and Known Partisan Commissioners:
The presence of openly biased figures, such as Anabel Mtalimanja and other known MCP diehards, erodes the credibility of MEC. Their continued stay is a direct threat to democracy. As the old saying goes, “You cannot cure a wound by covering it with silence.” - Fresh Voter Registration Exercise:
We demand a fresh, transparent voter registration process conducted under strict independent oversight. No outdated roll, no manipulation, no ghost voters. Every eligible citizen deserves the right to register anew, without prejudice or deceit. - No Excuse of Cost:
Who told you that democracy is cheap? “Freedom is not a fruit that falls when it is ripe—you have to make it fall.” The cost of democracy is far less than the price of chaos. If we can fund other luxuries, we must also afford the dignity of credible elections.
Should these demands fall on deaf ears, we shall not waste time. We will seek legal injunctions through the courts of law, and if necessary, mobilize a five-million people-grand demonstration.
The power of the people is mightier than the silence of injustice.
As it is said, “Even the best cooking pot will not produce food without someone to stir it.” We are ready to stir this nation.
Let this be clear: we are not fighting individuals—we are defending the soul of our democracy.
The ballot must speak only for the voter, not for servers hidden behind digital curtains or commissioners captured by party loyalty.
We call upon every patriotic citizen, church, civil society, diaspora Malawian, and all democracy-loving souls to stand together. Silence is complicity.
“When the roots of a tree begin to decay, it spreads death to the branches.” MEC must be rebuilt—root and branch—with transparency and truth.
Malawi belongs to all of us. Our democracy is not a privilege—it is our birthright.
Let us rise, not in anger, but in unity, and reclaim our dignity, our vote, and our future.
Let the people be heard. Let justice flow like a mighty river.
My pen 🖊 is mightier than a sword.
