By Burnett Munthali
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Director of Women, Mary Navicha, has issued a stern warning against the use of the electronic voting system, threatening that Malawian women will stage widespread protests if the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) insists on implementing the new technology.
Navicha voiced her concern during the ongoing Public Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting taking place in the city of Blantyre, where she strongly criticized MEC’s apparent push for system in the upcoming electoral processes.
She expressed astonishment at MEC’s insistence on using digital transmission of election results instead of relying on traditional manual methods, which have been the standard in Malawi’s past elections.
Navicha maintained that she and many other stakeholders will not accept the deployment of the new voting technology, which she perceives as lacking transparency and credibility.
She further warned that women across the country would metaphorically “walk bare-chested in the streets” in protest if the electoral body proceeds to adopt the system.
Her remarks underscore growing political tensions surrounding the electoral reforms being considered by MEC, especially amid ongoing debates about electoral integrity and the potential for manipulation through digital platforms.
In response to these concerns, MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja previously stated that the commission will soon organize a meeting specifically to address the electronic voting system issue and to clarify its position and intentions.
The debate around the adoption of system has become a flashpoint in Malawi’s political discourse, with opposition voices warning of reduced trust in the electoral process if the public is not adequately consulted.
As the 2025 general elections draw closer, stakeholders are increasingly calling for transparency, inclusivity, and caution in all decisions that affect the credibility of Malawi’s democracy.
