By Burnett Munthali

Several opposition parties in Malawi are demanding the immediate resignation of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Executive Officer David Mpesi, accusing them of having close ties with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). The parties argue that these associations compromise the integrity of the upcoming 2025 elections.

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The opposition has expressed dissatisfaction with the way preparations for next year’s elections are being handled, citing the introduction of new and unfamiliar voting procedures as a major concern. The introduction of electronic vote-counting machines by MEC has been a particular point of contention, with opposition parties fearing that this could open the door to vote rigging in favor of the ruling party.

In a joint statement, opposition leaders expressed their concern: “The new voting system proposed by MEC is questionable, and it has not been explained clearly to the public. We fear that these machines could be manipulated to favor the ruling party, and this raises doubts about the transparency of the elections.”

The opposition also criticized MEC for refusing to engage independent audit firms to monitor the electoral process, as was done in previous elections. They argue that having independent observers is crucial for maintaining transparency and ensuring that the elections are free and fair.

“It is shocking that MEC has refused to bring in independent audit companies to monitor the election process, which was standard practice in the past. Without such oversight, the credibility of the elections is at risk,” said a spokesperson for the opposition.

As tensions rise ahead of the 2025 elections, the opposition has vowed to continue pressing for reforms within MEC, including the resignation of Mtalimanja and Mpesi. They argue that only with impartial leadership can MEC ensure that the elections are conducted fairly and without bias.

For now, MEC has defended its actions, stating that the new voting procedures are intended to modernize the election process and improve efficiency. However, with the growing pressure from opposition parties and their supporters, the debate over the conduct of the 2025 elections is likely to intensify in the coming months.

The opposition’s demands underscore the high stakes involved in Malawi’s upcoming elections, and all eyes will be on how MEC responds to these concerns as the election date approaches.