By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) held a high-level consultative meeting with representatives from all registered political parties at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe today to discuss key electoral processes.
MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja presided over the meeting, which focused on crucial agenda items such as nomination of candidates, voter identification during polling, and results management.
The meeting comes in response to persistent calls from opposition parties for greater transparency in the MEC’s handling of electoral procedures.
One of the key demands made by the opposition parties is an independent audit of the voting system, which the commission will use in the upcoming elections.
However, in a recent development, the MEC has rejected a proposal for an independent audit of its Election Management System, citing that the scope of the audit is “structurally flawed, technically misinformed, legally unsound, and operationally unfeasible”.
According to the MEC, the proposed audit misrepresents the configuration of its custom-developed EMS by referencing outdated or irrelevant technologies.
The commission also warned that the suggested audit process could compromise system security, constitutional control, and electoral integrity.
MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency and electoral integrity.
She assured stakeholders that the MEC retains full control over its electoral systems and will continue internal reviews to uphold transparency.
The meeting aimed to engage political parties in ensuring transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
This is not the first time the MEC has met with political parties; similar meetings were held earlier to discuss voter transfers and verification processes.
In April, the MEC updated political parties on the voter transfer exercise and preparations for the upcoming voter verification and inspection process.
The discussions between the MEC and political parties are crucial in building trust and ensuring a smooth electoral process.
With the elections scheduled for September 16, 2025, the MEC is working to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections.
