By Burnett Munthali
Today, 28th April 2025, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) held a critical meeting with the President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, to present a comprehensive report on the state of preparedness for the upcoming 16 September General Election.
The meeting was convened in strict accordance with Section 6(1) of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act.
This section, while reaffirming the independence of the Commission, mandates that for purposes of accountability, the Commission must be answerable and report directly to the President on the overall fulfilment of its functions and exercise of its powers.
During the meeting, the MEC provided a detailed update on all major activities that have been successfully implemented thus far.
The Commission outlined progress on crucial tasks such as voter registration and voter transfers, which are foundational pillars for credible elections.
Additionally, the MEC informed the President about the current status of procurement processes for both sensitive and non-sensitive materials required for polling.
The discussion also covered the forthcoming stages of the electoral process, including the inspection and verification of the voters’ register.
The Commission emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that the voters’ roll is accurate and reflective of eligible Malawians ahead of the polling day.
Nomination of candidates, another key phase in the election cycle, was also highlighted as an upcoming milestone requiring meticulous planning and execution.
The MEC stressed that every stage of preparation is being handled with utmost diligence to guarantee the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the September elections.
Recognizing the vital role of dialogue and consensus-building in a democratic process, the Commission announced the scheduling of a National Elections Consultative Forum (NECOF).
The NECOF meeting is set to take place on Wednesday, 30th April, 2025, in Lilongwe.
During this forum, all political parties and invited electoral stakeholders will be comprehensively briefed on the state of election preparations.
The engagement will serve as a platform for dialogue, allowing political players and stakeholders to raise concerns, seek clarifications, and offer suggestions where necessary.
It will also help foster trust among all actors involved and reinforce the commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
In his remarks after receiving the report, President Chakwera expressed his appreciation to the MEC for its diligent efforts toward ensuring that all preparations are on track.
He reiterated the importance of transparency, professionalism, and non-partisanship in the work of the Commission as Malawi approaches the critical 16 September election.
The President also underscored his administration’s full support for the independence of the electoral body, stressing that a strong and autonomous MEC is vital for the sustenance of democracy in Malawi.
Today’s engagement marks a significant milestone in the electoral calendar, symbolizing a commitment by both the Executive and the Electoral Commission to uphold the highest democratic standards.
As Malawi marches towards the polls, the nation watches with keen interest, hopeful that the elections will consolidate its democratic gains and reflect the true will of the people.
The Malawi Electoral Commission’s report, coupled with the upcoming NECOF forum, signals a transparent approach to electoral management, a critical ingredient in fostering public confidence ahead of voting day.
With just a few months remaining, all eyes will remain on the MEC to deliver on its promises and ensure that the 2025 General Election is a beacon of democracy, not only for Malawi but also for the wider African continent.
