LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has commended The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) for acting swiftly with professional, and evidence-based response to the allegation raised by Chisankho Watch concerning the purported distribution of handouts to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) registration staff in Nsanje Central Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Mandevana.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, April 30, 2025 and signed by CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe lauds MEC for demonstrating institutional integrity by referring the matter to the ORPP for independent investigation, even though the alleged misconduct involved MEC staff.
CSEIF observes, “This gesture is a testament to MEC’s commitment to impartiality and its constitutional mandate to deliver credible elections, in line with Section 76(4) of the Malawi Constitution and Section 6(1) of the Electoral Commission Act, which mandate the Commission to perform its duties independently and without fear or favour.
“The ORPP’s determination guided by the Political Parties Act (PPA), particularly Section 41(1), which prohibits political parties from offering handouts to entice voters correctly found no evidence of inducement or unlawful contact between the MP and MEC staff”.
Kondowe adds, “The clarification that the act of giving must be accompanied by intent to influence voting reinforces the proper legal threshold required to establish an electoral offence under the Act.
CSEIF therefore commends the ORPP for its clear emphasis on due process, evidence-based inquiry, and the critical distinction between legitimate observations and unsubstantiated allegations.
“While civil society and election observers are essential to promoting transparency and accountability in electoral processes, this case highlights the need to strike a careful balance between protecting
whistleblowers and upholding institutional accountability.
“We therefore urge all civil society organisations and electoral stakeholders to remain objective, professional, and evidence-driven in fulfilling their mandates,” urges Kondowe.
CSEIF statement adds, “By doing so, we not only strengthen the integrity of our democratic processes but also avoid amplifying claims that lack factual or legal grounding, which can inadvertently undermine public confidence in elections.
“We commend both the ORPP and MEC as key institutions in safeguarding democratic governance
in Malawi, operating within the framework of the country’s prevailing laws. Their coordinated and principled handling of this matter not only upholds the credibility of the electoral process but also reinforces public confidence in our democratic institutions”.
Kondowe appeals further, “We urge all electoral stakeholders to emulate this level of professionalism by engaging constructively and upholding the rule of law.
“As central actors in the electoral system, the ORPP and MEC must consistently maintain neutrality and impartiality in the execution of their respective mandates”.
Meanwhile, civil rights groups, political parties are calling electoral audit amid missing of names in voters roll.
Malawi is expected to hold general elections on September 16, 2025.