By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has assured all stakeholders of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election that meets the expectations of every concerned party. This assurance comes in response to growing concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections.
During a press conference held in Lilongwe, opposition political parties, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), UTM, and the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), expressed reservations about the hybrid system proposed for transmitting election results. The parties argued that the system, which blends both electronic and manual processes, could potentially compromise the integrity of the elections. Instead, they called for a return to a fully manual transmission of results, citing past experiences and the need for transparency in ensuring public trust in the electoral process.
In response to these concerns, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, issued a written statement, reassuring the public that the Commission is taking all concerns seriously. Mwafulirwa acknowledged the importance of addressing the opposition’s concerns and noted that MEC would provide a detailed response at the appropriate time.
However, Mwafulirwa was firm in asserting MEC’s commitment to delivering an election that satisfies all stakeholders while adhering to legal frameworks. “Every stakeholder should be assured that our resolve is to hold elections to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, within the provision of the law,” he said.
MEC’s use of a hybrid system aims to modernize the electoral process while maintaining the integrity of manual counting as a backup. This system, already tested in various international elections, combines digital efficiency with traditional safeguards to mitigate the risk of discrepancies. Despite its global use, Malawi’s opposition parties have expressed concern over the potential for technical failures or manipulation, insisting on a purely manual system to avoid any doubt.
As the nation approaches the election season, the public and political stakeholders will keenly watch how MEC navigates these demands. The Commission has reassured all involved that its priority remains a credible, transparent, and lawful election.
