By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has underscored the importance of the Biometric Voter Verification Devices (BVVDs) in ensuring a smooth and reliable verification process for all registered voters ahead of the September 16 elections.
MEC Commissioner Richard Chapweteka made the remarks during the official reception of 6,450 voter verification devices that arrived at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.
Commissioner Chapweteka stated that the devices are critical for streamlining the verification process, thereby promoting transparency and efficiency in the electoral process.
He clarified that the devices are strictly for verifying voter identity and will not be used for actual voting.
MEC is planning to deploy over 15,000 BVVDs across the country for the upcoming general elections.
The electoral body had earlier received the first batch of 2,000 devices, bringing the total to 8,450 so far.
According to Chapweteka, MEC is expecting a third batch of devices to arrive on the 15th and 22nd of August, ahead of the elections.
He took the opportunity to address concerns circulating on social media and other platforms suggesting that the devices might be used to manipulate election results.
Commissioner Chapweteka strongly dismissed such claims, saying the devices do not have the capacity to tamper with votes or the voting process.
He reiterated that voters will cast their ballots using traditional ballot papers, not electronically through the verification devices.
Chapweteka assured Malawians that MEC remains committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.
He emphasized that the introduction of the BVVDs is a step forward in enhancing the integrity of the voter verification process.
The arrival and proper deployment of these devices, he said, marks a significant milestone in preparing for the upcoming elections.
