By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has assured the public and stakeholders of its preparedness for the upcoming elections.
MEC Chairperson spoke at a press briefing on Saturday at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
She announced that the Commission is fully equipped and has taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The Chairperson further stated that the campaign period will end on 14 September at 6 a.m.
This deadline marks the conclusion of all campaign-related activities, including rallies, promotional programs, musical performances, and other public gatherings for political advocacy.
She warned that any campaigning conducted after this deadline will be deemed illegal.
Media outlets have also been urged to cease airing campaign songs or disseminating political messages once the campaign period officially ends.
“I am urging all political parties to conclude their campaigning efforts tonight, as no campaign activities will be allowed following the formal end of the campaign period,” she said.
The Chairperson confirmed that voting will start at 6 a.m. on polling day.
The process will commence with MEC staff and security personnel, including the Malawi Prison Service, Malawi Police Services, Malawi Defence Force, and other stakeholders to assist with the smooth running of the elections.
She emphasized that the Commission will remain vigilant and take necessary actions against anyone who violates electoral regulations.
Political parties and accredited observers are expected to send their representatives tomorrow, starting at 9 a.m., to oversee the verification of polling stations and electoral materials.
The MEC Chair noted that this verification process will not be delayed for the monitors.
Any discrepancies identified during the process should be reported prior to polling day.
She disclosed that only polling staff, accredited security officers, and other designated officials will be allowed to vote at the locations where they are stationed.
MEC Chairperson Mtalimanja stated that political staff, accredited security officers, and other designated officials who wish to vote outside their constituencies must apply to constituency returning officers from today until 15 September.
She also confirmed that the deployment of polling staff and the dispatch of ballot papers to all polling centres will be completed tomorrow, Sunday.
Mtalimanja encouraged employers to consider offering flexible work shifts or allowing employees to take time off on election days.
She emphasized that all workers should have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote without scheduling conflicts or restrictions.
“By implementing such measures, employers can play a significant role in ensuring that every individual has the chance to make their voice heard during elections,” said Mtalimanja.
Concluding analysis
MEC’s detailed preparations and clear enforcement of campaign deadlines are crucial for ensuring a credible electoral process.
By setting strict timelines for the end of campaigning and explicitly outlining who can vote where, the Commission signals its commitment to transparency and fairness.
The early verification of polling stations and electoral materials, with observers present, helps prevent disputes and reinforces public confidence in the integrity of the elections.
Encouraging employers to accommodate workers on election day further ensures that citizens can exercise their voting rights without undue obstacles, which is key for broad participation.
These measures collectively enhance trust among stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and the electorate, reducing the potential for conflicts or allegations of irregularities.
In the context of the 2025 elections, such proactive steps by MEC are pivotal to maintaining stability and demonstrating that Malawi’s democratic processes are both well-managed and inclusive.
