LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has applauded Malawians for their peaceful and dignified participation in today’s general elections while urging the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to swiftly address several challenges that emerged during the voting process.
In its substantive that MaraviPost publication seen update released at 15:30 hours, CSEIF reported that its observers were deployed across the country, covering both rural and urban areas including districts such as Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Thyolo, Blantyre, Mchinji, Lilongwe, Nkhata Bay, Mzuzu, Rumphi
and Karonga.
CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe commended Malawians for turning out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right in an atmosphere marked by calm and order.
“Today, Malawians have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to democracy. The peaceful and orderly manner in which voting has taken place reflects the maturity of our nation,” Kondowe said.
According to the observation report, 59% of polling stations opened on time, while some experienced delays of up to 30 minutes, such as at Mkwichi Secondary School.
The delays were largely due to technical glitches with election equipment and the time needed to set up polling stations.
However, CSEIF noted that the delays were resolved quickly, allowing voting to proceed smoothly.
Polling staff across the country were praised for their professionalism and preparedness.
In all observed stations, persons with disabilities and the elderly were given priority and assistance, either by relatives or MEC officials.
Voter turnout was described as fairly high, with most voters arriving early to cast their ballots.
Major political parties such as MCP, UDF, DPP and UTM had consistent representation through their monitors, though some parties and independent candidates were notably absent at certain stations.
Security personnel were commended for maintaining a visible presence at all polling centers.
The agencies professionalism ensured that peace and order prevailed throughout the voting process and no incidents of violence were reported.
Observers were also granted free access across all centers which strengthened transparency and accountability.
In certain areas, Biometric Voter Verification Identification Devices (BVVIDs) malfunctioned, slowing down the verification process and causing longer queues, especially for transferred voters.
Additionally some eligible voters reported that their names were missing from the register despite being duly registered, raising concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement if not resolved quickly.
There was also an incident of alleged voter bribery in Blantyre’s Ndirande, Nkokoleti Constituency at Matope Center, where an independent candidate’s monitor was reportedly paying MK15,000 to voters while writing names on a register.
When identified, the suspect fled the scene, leaving behind evidence now being investigated by police.
CSEIF has called on MEC to act swiftly by allowing voters with proof of registration but missing names to vote, providing immediate technical support to centers experiencing BVVID problems and considering extensions of polling hours in areas affected by delays to prevent disenfranchisement.
The organization has also urged MEC to conduct thorough investigations into allegations of voter bribery and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
