Tag Archives: MEC Commissioner Francis Kasaila

Lifestyle, Malawi, Politics

Opposition DPP disowns its MEC Commissioner Kasaila on electronic voting usage support

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The embattled opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 disowned Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Commissioner Francis Kasaila.

DPP appointed Kasaila and other two commissioners to represent the party at the electoral body to the next General Elections.

The party has disowned Kasaila following his recent remarks where he backed the use of electronic transmission of the 2025 election results.

DPPs spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba disowned the Commissioner during opposition news conference where they voiced against the use of Election Management Devices (EMDs).

The opposition parties also pushing for MEC chair Anabel Mtalimanja resignation.

Namalomba hinted that the stand taken by Kasaila is not shared by the party which together with other opposition parties feels the technology will be used for rigging the 2025 elections.

“Whatever this Commissioner said about EMDs usage is not part of DPP. As a party we disown him in totality,” lambasted Outspoken Namalomba.

Opposition parties planned demonstrations in Lilongwe on Wednesday aimed at forcing MEC Chairperson and Chief Elections Officer Anabel Mtalimanja and Andrew Mpesi respectively for being accused of allegeous to Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

The opposition parties fear that current MEC leadership might favour MCP during 2025 polls.

Meanwhile, Lilongwe District Council urged opposition parties to reschedule the demonstrations arguing that the Malawi Police Service would not be available for security

Development, SADC

Malawi Electoral Commission Gears Up for Second Phase of Voter Registration

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is set to launch the second phase of the 2025 General Elections voter registration exercise, running from November 9 to November 22. This phase is crucial in ensuring eligible voters are registered and ready to participate in next year’s elections.

MEC Commissioner Francis Kasaila emphasized the commission’s readiness for a smooth and effective registration process, highlighting that they have equipped registration centers with reliable machinery and backup generators to prevent disruptions.

“We have good working registration equipment and backup gensets to ensure there are no hiccups in the exercise,” Kasaila assured attendees at a voter registration engagement in Zomba, where he addressed traditional leaders from Senior Chief Chikowi’s area. He called upon community leaders to play an active role in encouraging their constituents to register.

Senior Chief Chikowi expressed commitment to mobilizing his community, emphasizing the importance of voter registration as a foundation for democracy. “We will urge our people to register and participate in this important national duty,” he said.

The second phase will cover a wide range of districts and cities, including Zomba District, Zomba City, Nkhatabay, Rumphi, Likoma, Kasungu District, Kasungu Municipality, Dowa, Mchinji, Ntcheu, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Thyolo, and Luchenza Municipality.

The successful rollout of this phase will be critical as MEC aims to ensure that eligible citizens are given the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.