Tag Archives: Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC)

Politics

CSEIF lauds MEC’s move to prioritize media, observers on polling day

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has welcomed the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) decision to give voting priority to accredited media personnel and election observers during the upcoming general elections.

In a statement issued on August 10, 2025, CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said the decision was agreed upon during a meeting between CSEIF and MEC leadership held on August 8 in Lilongwe.

The meeting followed a letter sent by CSEIF on August 6, 2025, proposing practical measures to assist accredited personnel in fulfilling their duties without losing their right to vote.

The move follows recent amendments to the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2025, which extend special voting rights to polling staff, security personnel, and political party representatives deployed away from their registered polling stations.

CSEIF described MEC’s arrangement as “progressive and pragmatic,” even though it is not yet a full legal provision. The organization noted that the decision recognizes the vital role played by media and observers in promoting transparency, accountability, and public confidence in elections.

CSEIF has urged all accredited media and observers to arrive early at their designated polling stations before voting begins so they can take advantage of the prioritization and proceed quickly to their assignments.

The organization also commended Parliament for passing the recent electoral amendments and appealed to President Lazarus Chakwera to assent to the changes promptly, ensuring timely implementation ahead of the September 16, 2025 General Elections.

Kondowe reaffirmed CSEIF’s commitment to working with MEC, Parliament, and other stakeholders to safeguard the constitutional right to vote and uphold the credibility and integrity of Malawi’s democratic processes.

Opinion

Malawi Electoral Commission’s secret printer deal exposed

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

The Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) secret deal with electronic voting system a Panama-based company, has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Despite publicly stating that the gadgets wouldn’t be used in actual elections, the MEC shipped two printers weighing 64.8kgs in Panama on February 4, 2025, at a cost of K23.5 million to Malawi taxpayers.

The printers are allegedly for the national tally centre, but their purpose remains unclear.

This lack of transparency has sparked widespread concern among electoral stakeholders, who are demanding answers from the MEC. An MEC official, speaking anonymously, advised blocking the printers’ use until their purpose is clarified.

The MEC’s decision to engage system, a company with a history of controversy, has been questioned by many. In 2019, the company was involved in a disputed election in the Philippines, which has raised concerns about its reliability and impartiality.

Critics argue that the MEC’s secret deal with system undermines the integrity of the electoral process and may compromise the accuracy of election results.

They demand greater transparency and accountability from the MEC to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible.

Development, District News

MEC’s Failure to Address Underage Voter Registration Raises Questions

Maravi Post Author

By Twink Jones Gadama

The Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) decision to proceed with supplementary voter registration has been marred by controversy, following the commission’s failure to address concerns about underage voter registration. The MEC’s inaction has raised questions about its ability to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

During the initial voter registration phases, reports emerged of underage individuals being registered to vote in various parts of the country, including Lilongwe. Despite these concerns, the MEC has not provided a clear explanation or taken concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

The MEC’s failure to address the issue has sparked widespread criticism, with opposition parties and civil society organizations accusing the commission of being complacent and ineffective. The opposition has demanded that the MEC takes immediate action to address the concerns and ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible.

The MEC’s Chairperson, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, has emphasized the importance of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. However, the commission’s handling of the underage voter registration issue has raised doubts about its ability to deliver a credible electoral process.

As Malawi prepares for the 2025 general elections, the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process cannot be overstated. The MEC’s failure to address concerns about underage voter registration has raised questions about its ability to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

The commission’s decision to proceed with supplementary voter registration without addressing the underlying issues has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and mistrust. The MEC must take immediate action to address the concerns and ensure that the electoral process is transparent and accountable.

The future of Malawi’s democracy depends on the MEC’s ability to deliver a credible electoral process. The commission’s failure to address concerns about underage voter registration has raised questions about its ability to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Opinion

Chilima’s quest to rid Malawi of mediocrity takes a detour

Patseni Mauka 2 Comments

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Dr. Jane Ansah

Written by Patseni Mauka

Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) announcement of a presidential winner despite scores of electoral fraud complaints means, for now, we are stuck with an 80 year old thief and his vice who would never be given a job by any serious employer.

With the magic of ballot box stuffing, correction fluid on result sheets and computer manipulation of results by MEC staff, Dr Saulos Chilima’s quest to rid Malawi of mediocrity has taken a detour. Chilima was a favorite presidential candidate for millions of Malawians.

It is detour because a leader of a people’s movement does not quit in the middle of a fight, certainly not a leader of Chilima’s calibre. Chilima is one hell of a hard worker and fighter. At the age of 46, time is on his side.

Chilima cast vote amid speculation of his name missing on list

Chilima has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills. Just a few months ago, UTM was non existent. But he showed us how to start a movement owned by the people. He made all the right moves to establish UTM party. He led the party in organizing a very credible convention and took an elected mandate. Chilima has managed to utilize the full potential of UTM dedicated members.

The coming of UTM created great enthusiasm in the Malawi 2019 election campaign. It is unfortunate that MEC decided to completely remove this enthusiasm by conducting the dodgiest election Malawians have ever witnessed.

Fortunately, Malawians have refused to accept rigged elections and are now fighting for justice both inside and outside the courts. Malawians are refusing to accept that an 80 year old frail man and his uneducated second in command should be imposed on the nation.

Malawi has great potential and just needs proper leadership. Such leadership should be chosen by the people through credible elections. Chilima has demonstrated that Malawi has people who know what is necessary to develop this great country. The emergence of such people should not be halted by rigging of elections to maintain a corrupt regime.

Chilima remains the man to watch. As the majority of Malawians look for justice on how the 2019 elections were conducted, they should be assured that Chilima will lead them until the mafias, who are bent on making Malawi a failed state, are defeated once and for all.

As the battle continues, the great son of Malawi has lined up a press conference on Friday, 7th June at 10:00 o’clock in the morning. This promises to be a mother of all press conferences. No one can afford to miss Chilima speaking to the nation.

In addition, on Saturday 8th June, all roads lead to Mzuzu upper stadium for a big UTM rally. If the detractors thought the quest to cleanse Malawi of corruption and mediocrity would end with their rigging of elections, they will wake up confused and surprised like DPP President Peter Mutharika who addressed the nation partly asleep, confused and frail as never seen before.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the Publisher or the Editor of Maravi Post