By Jones Gadama
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has expressed deep concern over the rising tide of politically motivated violence and misinformation as Malawi prepares for the September 16 polls.
In a statement released on May 18, the coalition urged political leaders to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes peace and togetherness, emphasizing that Malawians deserve elections focused on real issues rather than chaos and intimidation.
The HRDC’s concerns extend to the debate surrounding the electronic voting system, which has been designed to improve the transparency and accountability of the electoral process.
According to the coalition, the current debate about the technology is “dangerously misleading,” with the real threat to Malawi’s democracy being the deliberate manipulation of the electoral system by those who profit from disorder and secrecy.
“It’s not the tool that rigs elections—it’s the hands that wield it,” the HRDC statement reads. “We’ve seen this before—votes stolen, mandates hijacked, systems rigged.
And it wasn’t machines doing the damage. It was individuals, from across the political spectrum, including within the Malawi Electoral Commission itself.”
The coalition argues that the resistance to the electronic voting system is not about digital security but rather about losing control.
“It’s not that the system can be hacked—it’s that it can’t be hacked by the people who used to do so with impunity,” the statement adds.
Despite these challenges, the HRDC fully supports the adoption of the electronic voting system, viewing it as a crucial step forward in ensuring free, credible, and fair elections.
However, the coalition emphasizes that technology alone cannot fix Malawi’s democracy.
What is needed is a reformed, professional, and truly independent Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) that can stand firm in the face of political pressure and put voters first.
“We urge MEC to act with integrity and professionalism, guided not by fear or partisan influence, but by the law and the will of the people,” the HRDC statement reads. “Every move it makes must be above board. Every decision it makes must be within the dictates of the law. Every vote must count. And every Malawian must feel that their voice matters.”
The coalition also calls on political parties to stop treating elections like their private property, recognizing that democracy belongs to the people, not politicians.
“This election is not about egos or manifestos—it is about the future of our country,” the statement emphasizes.
As Malawi approaches the September 16 polls, the HRDC is urging MEC to remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, accountable, and free from interference. “Malawi deserves better,” the coalition concludes. “And we will not stop demanding it.”
The HRDC’s call for an independent MEC comes amid growing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Malawi.
In recent years, the country has experienced a series of disputed elections, with opposition parties often alleging irregularities and manipulation.
The adoption of the electronic voting system is seen as a step towards improving the transparency and accountability of the electoral process.
However, the HRDC’s statement highlights the need for broader reforms to ensure that the MEC is independent and impartial.
As the country heads to the polls, the HRDC’s call for an independent MEC and a more transparent electoral process is likely to resonate with many Malawians who are eager to see free, credible, and fair elections.
The challenge now lies with the MEC and political leaders to heed the coalition’s call and ensure that the electoral process is conducted with integrity and professionalism.
