Disgruntled demonstrators at Mbelwa District Council in Mzuzu have demanded the resignation of MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and the immediate commissioning of independent external auditors to assess the credibility of the Smartmatic voting machines.
Speaking during the delivering their petition on Tuesday 27th May 2025, one of the organizers, Gomezgani Nkhoma, reflects growing concern among civil society groups and some opposition parties about the impartiality of the electoral commission and the transparency of the electronic voting system being prepared for the 2025 general elections.
Nkhoma decried that: “We have lost confidence in the MEC leadership.
“The public deserves an electoral body that is impartial and accountable. We cannot go into another election with these unresolved doubts.”
In her remarks, Mbelwa District Council Administration Officer Mercy Ghambi commended the peaceful nature of the protest and assured the group that their concerns would be forwarded to the relevant authorities.
“Your petition will be submitted without delay,” said Ghambi.
“We encourage you to continue engaging within the bounds of the law.”
The MEC, which signed a contract with Smartmatic in 2022 for the supply of biometric voter registration and electronic results transmission systems, has defended the system’s integrity, stating it enhances transparency and reduces human error. However, critics argue the public has not been adequately educated about the system’s operation, raising fears of potential manipulation.
In an interview with Our News Platform Mw, Political Pundit, Wonderful Mkhutche warns that if MEC fails to address these grievances swiftly, trust in the 2025 electoral process could erode further.
“This growing pressure is not just a political tactic,” said governance analyst Mkhutche.
“It’s a genuine call for transparency and reform. If these demands are ignored, public participation in the election may suffer.”
As Malawi moves closer to a critical election, all eyes are now on the Electoral Commission’s next move.
