Malawi Opposition Issues Ultimatum to Electoral Body

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By Draxon Maloya

Opposition parties have given the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) a 14-day ultimatum, ending November 13, 2024, to address concerns over the electoral process.

In a joint statement, the opposition alleges that MEC Chairperson, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) are mismanaging the process, undermining the constitutional rights of Malawians.

Apart from demanding the immediate resignation of Mtalimanja due to compromised status they also demand SMARTMATIC Contract terminated due to irregularities concerns over electoral process management.

“Second phase should pend until complications from the first phase are resolved. NRB must operate in all MEC registration centers, complying with court orders and the entire electoral process should be managed, counted, and transmitted manually,” reads the statement.

They warn of unspecified actions, including vigils at MEC offices, if demands are not met.

MEC and NRB signed an MOU in July 2023 to solidify their partnership ahead of the 2025 General Election. However, opposition parties claim MEC’s leadership has compromised the electoral process.