President Peter Mutharika has called upon Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to remain professionally vigilant and adhere to the democratic principles of managing credible elections at all times in order to have unwavering trust from the electorate.
He made the remarks at Kamuzu Palace when he held an audience with a delegation from MEC which among others included chairperson Justice Maxon Mbendera and all the commissioners.
This was MEC’s first constitutional and statutory presentation of the 2014 Tripartite Elections report to the head of state as is supposed to be the case after every other general election.
In his remarks, President Mutharika reiterated the need for a competent electoral body if the country’s democracy is to progress satisfactorily.
“I am fully aware of and have followed the on-going discussion regarding the need to make certain changes to the electoral law in this country. However, I must emphasize that change in the law alone cannot deliver the desired results unless that change starts with you, Commissioners. As Commissioners, you must be fully cognizant of your mandate as conferred on the Commission by the Constitution. Operating within that mandate is of paramount importance,” said the president while commending MEC for compensating the 2014 elections anomalies with competent handling of all the by-elections held from since that time.
Some of the proposed changes that Mutharika was referring to include re-demarcation of wards and constituencies, use of biometric systems in verifying the voters’ roll and the whole electoral process, capacity building at MEC and change of laws as per suggestions gathered after a lengthy and exhaustive consultations among stakeholders.
However, the President was quick to point out that all proposed electoral reforms must always reflect the wishes of the people on national level not just some pockets of vocal and privileged voices.
In his remarks MEC chairperson commended President Mutharika and his government for offering relevant support within constitutional powers to ensure that MEC operates in a safe and result-enabling environment.
“The Commission would like to express its gratitude to Your Excellency’s government for the commitment it has shown to the democratization process of this country through the provision of funds to ensure that the people are represented at all times” In that vein, President Mutharika promised the commission that his government will ensure that the work environment – in terms of resources and constitutional independence- are offered at all times.
