BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has stressed the importance of the media understanding electoral processes to ensure accurate and fair reporting, particularly on issues affecting women.
MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, emphasized this during a one-day media engagement in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
Mwafulirwa urged journalists to familiarize themselves with key stages of the election cycle, including nominations, campaigns, polling, and results management, to provide informed coverage.
He also highlighted the media’s role in holding institutions accountable for their commitments to women’s empowerment and political inclusion.
“The media is an eye in ensuring that institutions, including MEC, are accountable for their commitments to women’s empowerment and political inclusion,” said Mwafulirwa.
The engagement was organized by MISA Malawi in partnership with Concern Worldwide under the Malawi Irish Consortium on Gender-Based Violence
The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) in Chikwawa District is urging eligible voters who have lost their voter certificates to replace them once the voter verification process begins. The inspection of the voter’s register will take place in three phases from May 13 to May 31, 2025.
According to Chiyembekezo Gwayazani, NICE Programmes Officer in Chikwawa, eligible voters should seize this opportunity to ensure their names are included in the voters’ register.
“This is a crucial period for voters to verify their details and ensure they are registered to vote in the upcoming elections,” Gwayazani emphasized.
Sangwani Mwafulirwa, Director of Public Relations at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), highlighted that the verification process allows individuals to audit and confirm if their names are indeed in the voters’ register at the designated center where they registered or were transferred to. “This process also enables political parties to verify the accuracy of the voter list at each registration center and confirm that all registered voters are included in the printed voters’ registers,” Mwafulirwa added.
The voter verification process is crucial in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. By verifying their details, voters can confirm that their information is accurate and up-to-date, reducing the likelihood of disputes or issues during the elections.
NICE has been instrumental in promoting civic education and voter awareness in Malawi. The organization has been working tirelessly to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities as voters, emphasizing the importance of participating in the democratic process.
In a country where democratic processes are continually evolving, the role of organizations like NICE is vital. They not only educate but also empower citizens to demand their rights and participate actively in governance.
The verification process will run in three phases, giving ample opportunity for voters to confirm their registration details. Voters are encouraged to take this process seriously to avoid any complications during the elections.
NICE believes in the power of informed citizens. By ensuring that voters are aware of the verification process and its importance, the organization is contributing to the strengthening of Malawi’s democracy.
Eligible voters in Chikwawa District are encouraged to participate fully in the voter verification process. This is a chance for them to ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming elections.
The Malawi Electoral Commission has put in place measures to ensure that the verification process is smooth and accessible to all eligible voters. This includes multiple verification centers and adequate staffing to handle the process efficiently.
As the verification dates approach, NICE and the MEC are intensifying their efforts to reach out to voters. Through various media channels and community outreach programs, they are spreading the message about the importance of verifying voter details.
This proactive approach is expected to increase voter turnout and enhance the credibility of the electoral process. When voters are confident that their details are accurate and secure, they are more likely to participate in elections.
The upcoming elections are a significant moment for Malawi’s democracy. The voter verification process is a key component of ensuring that these elections are free, fair, and reflective of the will of the people.
The call by NICE for voters in Chikwawa District to replace lost voter certificates and verify their details is timely. It underscores the importance of every eligible voter participating in the democratic process.
As the country moves towards the elections, the role of informed and active citizens cannot be overstated.
It has taken days before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) could respond to serious allegations that have sent shockwaves through Malawi’s political and civic circles.
On Wednesday, 2 April 2025, Maravi Post formally addressed a questionnaire to Mr. Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the spokesperson of MEC, seeking the Commission’s official position on explosive claims that individuals attending meetings at the State House under President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration are being instructed to present their voter certificates and National Identity Cards (IDs).
These allegations, first received via inbox and circulating widely on social platforms, have sparked growing public outrage, with many questioning whether such requirements constitute electoral misconduct or even systematic voter manipulation.
According to the Constitution of Malawi, specifically Section 40, and the country’s Electoral Act, citizens have the right to freely participate in political processes without intimidation or undue restrictions.
Therefore, one of the key questions raised was whether there exists any legal basis for demanding voter certificates and National IDs for attending non-electoral presidential engagements.
The concern is that if no such basis exists, this directive could potentially violate electoral laws, especially on grounds related to coercion and the erosion of political impartiality expected in democratic governance.
The questionnaire further probed whether MEC considers such practices—if proven true—as tools of intimidation and voter tracking, which could compromise the integrity of Malawi’s electoral processes.
It inquired whether MEC is willing to open an independent investigation into these claims and determine if the actions surrounding these meetings undermine the principles of free and fair elections as mandated by law.
In addition to the documentation requirements, attendees of these meetings reportedly receive various inducements, including K50,000 cash, political T-shirts, and Chitenje cloth, even for local chiefs and traditional leaders.
Critics argue that such offerings could constitute political bribery, effectively turning routine State House visits into rally-style mobilizations under the guise of official business.
The Maravi Post pressed MEC to respond to whether it views these distributions as political inducements capable of distorting democratic integrity and influencing voter behavior ahead of elections.
A recurring question from concerned citizens remains: why must Malawians carry voter certificates and National IDs just to attend a meeting with the President?
More disturbingly, the allegations indicate that attendees are reportedly told to vocally defend the government and assured by President Chakwera that he will not be stepping down, creating the impression of a politically charged environment.
Such revelations, if accurate, paint a troubling picture of politicized access to the presidency and could signal the misuse of voter registration data for political mobilization.
In response to public outcry, Maravi Post also asked MEC what internal safeguards exist to ensure that such voter data is not exploited for purposes outside of the electoral cycle.
Furthermore, the silence and passivity of opposition parties have compounded public frustration.
The questionnaire raised pointed questions about the role of political opposition in such instances—specifically whether they are doing enough to uphold electoral integrity and protect citizens from potential abuses of power.
One message received from an anonymous source on April 2, 2025, described the atmosphere with a mix of disbelief and pain: “Zikumatipwetekatu when we see our opposition leaders are quiet just watching doing nothing.”
The message continued, referencing a specific event: “Today, Chakwera has summoned vendors from Salima and each one was told to bring their voter certificate and ID.”
It lamented that this practice represents “pure rigging” and a perversion of democratic engagement, particularly when such gatherings end with participants receiving financial rewards.
The call to action was stark and direct: “Wake up opposition parties, especially DPP. People are looking up to you kuti muwapulumutse.”
Following the initial submission of the questionnaire, a follow-up request was sent on 4 April, urging Mr. Mwafulirwa to respond promptly in the interest of balanced and factual reporting.
The correspondence reiterated the urgency of the matter, as Malawians increasingly demand clarity and accountability regarding the legality and intent of these State House practices.
On 5 April, MEC’s response came in a brief exchange.
Mr. Mwafulirwa stated, “I will revert,” and later advised the matter be referred to State House, noting, “Check with State House, I don’t have any information about it.”
This terse reply—offered days after the initial query—has left more questions than answers and has done little to calm fears about electoral interference.
Given MEC’s constitutional mandate to safeguard the credibility of the electoral process in Malawi, many citizens and analysts expected a firmer stance or at least a commitment to investigate.
In the absence of a clear response, speculation continues to swirl around whether these meetings are politically motivated operations aimed at entrenching incumbency through veiled voter manipulation.
As the country inches closer to the next electoral cycle, the Malawian public deserves more than vague denials and redirections.
They deserve transparency, adherence to democratic principles, and the protection of their electoral rights.
Until the Malawi Electoral Commission decisively addresses these troubling allegations, faith in the neutrality and independence of the electoral process may remain dangerously strained.
The Maravi Post will continue to pursue this story and keep the public informed as further developments unfold.
The issue of missing voter data in Malawi’s electoral register has sparked widespread concern.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) recently acknowledged that records in the preliminary voter register went missing during the voter transfer process.
In response, I sent a questionnaire to MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, seeking clarity on several critical aspects of the matter.
The questions focused on the scope of the problem, MEC’s internal processes, and assurances of transparency.
Despite the seriousness of the issue, Mwafulirwa did not provide any substantive responses.
Instead, he gave a brief and generic statement: “All other details would be provided in subsequent updates by the commission.”
This lack of immediate answers raises concerns about MEC’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Key questions that remain unanswered
One of the most pressing questions is the exact number of voters affected by the missing data issue.
MEC has not disclosed how many names disappeared from the register or which regions were most impacted.
Another critical question is when MEC first noticed the problem.
Was the issue identified by MEC’s internal monitoring, or was it raised by external observers?
The historical context of this issue is also important.
Have similar incidents occurred in previous elections?
If so, how were they addressed, and what lessons were learned?
Without this information, it is difficult to assess whether MEC’s assurances are credible.
MEC’s handling of voter data and security concerns
Another major area of concern is how MEC safeguards voter registration data.
What measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access or data loss?
Who within MEC has access to the voter database, and what security protocols govern this access?
Malawians deserve to know if external interference or internal manipulation has been ruled out as a possible cause of the missing data.
MEC’s reluctance to engage independent auditors further fuels speculation about a lack of transparency.
Why did MEC choose to conduct an internal probe instead of engaging independent election observers or forensic IT experts?
Would MEC allow international election observers to assess the voter database and provide an unbiased evaluation?
The failure to provide immediate answers to these questions only deepens public mistrust.
Public concerns over electoral integrity
Stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations, have called for an independent forensic audit of the voter database.
MEC’s silence on whether it would accept such an audit raises doubts about its willingness to be held accountable.
How does MEC respond to accusations that an internal investigation amounts to self-exoneration?
The Commission insists that the issue will not affect the integrity of the 2025 elections.
But without concrete answers, many Malawians remain skeptical.
Technical failures or malicious intent?
Another crucial question is whether MEC has ruled out hacking or system breaches as a possible cause of the missing voter names.
Given the increasing risk of cyber threats, what backup systems does MEC have to prevent voter data loss?
Will MEC publicly disclose its findings, including technical reports on what caused the issue?
If the problem resulted from a technical error, what steps are being taken to ensure it does not happen again?
Restoring missing voter data and next steps
MEC has assured the public that missing records will be restored.
But what concrete steps is the Commission taking to recover the lost data?
Will affected voters be notified and given an opportunity to verify their registration status?
What long-term reforms will MEC implement to prevent such problems from recurring in future elections?
Without clear answers, public confidence in MEC’s ability to deliver free and fair elections is at risk.
MEC’s Public Statement: An Attempt to Reassure or Deflect?
On March 14, 2025, MEC issued a public statement addressing the issue.
The Commission acknowledged reports of missing records and stated that it had commenced a process to establish the cause.
MEC emphasized that voter registration data remains preliminary until verified by voters, political parties, and civil society organizations.
The Commission assured Malawians that no registered voter would be disenfranchised.
It also promised to hold meetings with stakeholders to update them before the inspection of the voter register.
While these commitments sound reassuring, they do not answer the fundamental questions about how the data went missing in the first place.
A call for greater transparency
MEC must realize that transparency is essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
Ignoring legitimate concerns and refusing to provide timely answers only fuels suspicion.
The Commission must provide a full disclosure of what went wrong and how it will prevent a similar crisis in the future.
Malawians deserve an electoral process that is free, fair, and credible.
The burden is now on MEC to prove that it can deliver exactly that.
The rapid spread of unverified information on social media has become a common challenge in today’s digital age. Recently, rumors surfaced claiming that Sangwani Mwafulirwa, spokesperson for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), had resigned. To clarify the matter, Maravi Post reached out to Mwafulirwa for an exclusive interview.
When asked about the circulating rumors, Mwafulirwa categorically dismissed them as baseless.
“Zabodza,” he said emphatically, translating to “It’s false.”
He further elaborated that he remains fully committed to his role at MEC.
Mwafulirwa expressed his concerns about the rapid spread of false news.
“It’s unfortunate that such misinformation can spread so quickly, especially on social media,” he said. “It disrupts the work we do at MEC and causes unnecessary confusion. These rumors are not just unhelpful; they undermine public trust in critical institutions.”
On how to combat the spread of fake news, Mwafulirwa highlighted the importance of accountability in reporting.
“I believe it starts with responsible reporting and verification. Media outlets and individuals must confirm facts before sharing them,” he stressed. “At MEC, we are committed to transparency and open communication with the public, and we encourage everyone to uphold the same principles.”
As the interview concluded, Mwafulirwa assured the public of his continued dedication to his role.
“I want to reassure everyone that I am still serving as MEC spokesperson. It’s important to focus on the work ahead and not be distracted by baseless claims,” he stated.
This incident underscores the dangers of misinformation, especially when it involves vital public institutions like MEC. False rumors can disrupt public confidence, cause confusion, and harm reputations.
Mwafulirwa’s direct response serves as a reminder that, in a world inundated with information, verifying sources is not just a journalistic duty but a public responsibility. Through fact-checking and credible reporting, the fight against fake news can gain much-needed momentum.
Exclusive Interview with Sangwani Mwafulirwa on Recent Resignation Rumors
Sangwani Mwafulirwa
Director, Media and Public Relations
Malawi Electoral Commission
By Burnett Munthali
In an era where social media can amplify rumors in the blink of an eye, it’s crucial to verify claims before accepting them as truth. Recently, news circulated on various social media platforms suggesting that Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the spokesperson for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), had resigned from his position. However, to set the record straight, Maravi Post immediately reached out to Mwafulirwa for an exclusive interview to confirm or deny these claims.
Burnett Munthali: “There’s some news circulating on social media that you have resigned from MEC. Can you please confirm this?”
Burnett Munthali: “So, to be clear, you have not resigned from your position as MEC spokesperson?”
Sangwani Mwafulirwa: “Absolutely not. Those rumors are completely unfounded and baseless.”
Burnett Munthali: “Thank you for clearing that up. How do you feel about the spread of such rumors?”
Sangwani Mwafulirwa: “It’s unfortunate that such misinformation can spread so quickly, especially on social media. It disrupts the work we do at MEC and causes unnecessary confusion. But it’s important for the public to understand that rumors like these are not helpful.”
Burnett Munthali: “What do you think can be done to curb the spread of such false information?”
Sangwani Mwafulirwa: “I believe it starts with responsible reporting and verification. Media outlets and individuals should take the time to confirm facts before sharing them. At MEC, we are committed to transparency and open communication with the public, and we hope that others will follow the same standard.”
Burnett Munthali: “Thank you for your time, Sangwani. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the public regarding these rumors?”
Sangwani Mwafulirwa: “I just want to reassure the public that I am still serving in my capacity as MEC spokesperson, and I will continue to do so. It’s important for us to focus on the work ahead and not be distracted by baseless claims.”
Burnett Munthali: “Thank you for your clarity and for taking the time to speak with us.”
In this exclusive interview, Mwafulirwa firmly denied the resignation rumors, calling them false and misleading. This serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before accepting it as fact. Fake news, especially when it pertains to important institutions like the MEC, can cause confusion and damage reputations. Responsible journalism and fact-checking remain crucial in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Sangwani Mwafulirwa
Director, Media and Public Relations
Malawi Electoral Commission
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has acknowledged receipt of a letter from parliamentarian Symon Vuwa Kaunda in which he is demanding K600 million for the pollster’s alleged failure to diligently discharge its duties.
On Tuesday, the Nkhatabay Central Member of Parliament wrote MEC through Mbulo Attorneys At Law demanding compensation amounting to K600million for the “trauma” following the Supreme Court’s nullification of his 2019 victory.
MEC Director of Communications Sangwani Mwafulirwa told MBC Online on Thursday that the commission has indeed received Kaunda’s demand letter and that a response will be drafted directly to him.
“I can confirm that the commission has received the demand letter from Honourable Vuwa Kaunda. The Commission is going to look into the issue and possibly draft response to him within the time he has requested.
“As per official communication, the Commission is going to send the communication direct to him. We will not do the style which they did of leaking documents to the media before they reach the intended addressee. We will respect the official communication protocols. It will be up to him to disclose what has been the response of the Commission or not. We respect the privacy of our clients and stakeholders,” said Mwafulirwa.
In the letter, the politician argued that in the initial trial- between him and archrival Ralph Mhone-the High Court dismissed petition for nullification of results on the grounds of insufficient evidence, but ruled that MEC did not comply with Sections 89, 93, and 94 of the Parliamentary, Presidential Election Act of the Laws of Malawi, a basis which Mhone used to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
“After hearing the appeal, the Supreme Court of Appeal on 21st April, 2021 nullified our client’s victory on the basis that your institution failed to comply not only Sections 89, 93, and 95 of the PPEA but also Section 94 of the PPEA.
“Further the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal faulted your institution for failure to bring original documents that were in your custody before the court in order to support your position that our client emerged victorious in the 2019 Tripartite Elections,” said the letter, which is signed by Lawyer Leonard Mbulo.
Malawi Electoral Commission – MEC has announced that it will conduct by election in Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, Lalanje Ward in Nsanje and Chikwembere Ward in Blantyre on 29 June, 2021.
Announcing the development through its calendar of events, MEC said it will launch the by elections on May 22 this year and then officially open a campaign period that will run from 24 May to 27 June.
Speaking on the same, MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, said the inspection of voters register will be done from 26 May to 8 June, 2021 adding that no new voters will be allowed to vote but only those who registered during the 2019 tripartite elections.
“The candidates that contested in 2019 will be the same as to contest this time around and they cannot change affiliation. If the candidate opts to withdraw from the process, it means the party will go into the election without a candidate because the laws do not allow for nomination by substitution,” expressed Mwafulirwa.
The by elections in Nkhata Bay Central Constituency follows the nullification of the results of the same by the Supreme Court of Appeal after the People’s Party (PP) candidate, Ralph Mhone, challenged, through the High Court, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate, Simon Vuwa Kaunda’s victory during the 2019 polls.
Recently, the two Tonse administration allies; Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM revealed that they will not field any candidate during the polls in the constituency, but rather rally behind Mhone whose political party is also a partner in the Malawi’s power sharing government.
While painting a picture on his readiness for the polls, Mhone said he is geared to battle it out in the polls; banking his hope on the support from the currently ruling major political parties. On his part, DPP’s Simon Vuwa Kaunda has said he is only waiting for the day of the polls to prove his substance again.
During the 2019 polls, Kaunda led by 6,515 votes while Mhone trailed narrowly with 6,507 votes.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), under the leadership of the ‘overrated’ Justice Chifundo Kachale, has been ordered by the High Court in Blantyre to stop fresh registration of voters in constituencies whose 2019 election results were nullified over irregularities.
The decision by the court follows an injunction which was obtained by independent candidate for Mangochi North East Constituency Martin Nyengo through lawyer Chimwemwe Kalua stopping Mec from registering new members until the court interprets if it was necessary to do so.
The court has also ordered that only candidates who competed in the 2019 parliamentary race in the affected constituencies should take part in the fresh polls.
This means that the commission will disqualify all candidates that have already presented nominations papers but they did not compete during the 2019 elections in Phalombe North, Mangochi West and Mangochi North East constituencies.
“It is true that the High Court has ruled in our favour. What it means is that the Commission will use the 2019 voters roll during the November 10 fresh polls. In addition to that, there will be no new candidates who will take part in the fresh polls,” Kalua said as quoted in the Times.
Mec Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the electoral body will soon meet to discuss the court’s determination and map the way forward to make sure that the November 10 electoral calendar is not affected.
Justice Kachale who took over the leadership of the electoral body from embattled Justice Jane Ansah, startled Malawians when he directed Mec to conduct fresh registration of voters in Mangochi North East Constituency in readiness for November 10 by-election.
People thought Kachale could think along the lines of the the Supreme Court of Appeal judgment in presidential election case which made consequential order that in the nullified elections no new voters should not be registered because their votes were not stolen.
Following the decision of the court, only Karonga Central Constituency which fellow vacant after the death of Malawi Congress Party legislator Cornelius Mwalwanda and Lilongwe North West Constituency which became vacant when President Lazarus Chakwera resigned to compete in the presidential election on June 23, will be allowed to follow all the traditional electoral processes such as registration of voters and receiving nomination papers from everyone willing to compete.
Sangwani Mwafulirwa: Director of Media and Public Relations at Malawi Electoral Commission
Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) has announced that it will open all the centres in the country for voter verification exercise from Wednesday 10 June to Thursday 11 June, 2020, for all the registered voters to go and verify their names ahead of the fresh presidential election slated to take place before July 3, this year.
Making the announcement on Monday, Director of Media and Communication at Mec, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, said the commission is putting everything in place while it awaits Parliament to fix a date for the poll.
Mwafulirwa further said the exercise will start at 8 o’clock in the morning and finish at 4 o’clock on both days. He also said voters can equally verify their names by simply using their phone and dial *720#; then follow subsequent instructions on both TNM and Airtel networks.
However, Mwafulirwa stressed that the commission will not allow voter transfers or replacement of voter certificates during this period as such an exercise already took place earlier last month.
Meanwhile, the commission has urged all political party leaders to sensitise their followers to do the needful as this is their right as enshrined in the Republican constitution.
Malawi is expected to hold a fresh presidential election in a month’s time, following the Constitutional Court ruling on February 3 this year.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—The Blantyre High Court has on Monday nullified May 2019 parliamentary election results for Mangochi North East Constituency in which United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Idi Kalosi was declared winner by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declared UDF candidate Idi Kalosi who got 8,980 votes the winner over seven others including independent candidate Martin Chikati Sekati who got 7,053 during the elections.
Sekati challenged the results, saying were marred by irregularities.
Speaking to journalists lawyer Chimwemwe Kalua representing Sekati said they decided to challenge the results after noticing that some votes cast in favour of his client were being allocated to Kalosi, while some of the results were completely lost symbolising irregularities.
“There were irregularities in most centers, we saw some results sheets were not signed by the returning officers, that was very unprofessional.
“We were also encouraged to go to court as mainly because there was no log book, how could we trust results without a log book?” he wondered.
Passing judgement, justice Joseph Chigona agreed with most of the arguments advanced by Sekati that the results were tainted, were marred by several irregularities and he therefore nullified the election results, rendering the seat vacant.
Sekati said he was happy with the ruling of the High Court saying justice has been served.
“I am not surprised to be declared as a winner, I am ready to face my rivals on the ground and I am hoping that I will win again,” he added.
The first MP to lose seat was Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) parliamentarian for Mangochi West, Geoffrey Chiwondo, after the court observed massive irregularities in handling the election.
Unlike DPP’s Chiwondo who appealed the High Court judgment at the Supreme Court, Kalosi has accepted the verdict and is optimistic of retaining the seat in the re-run.
“I am not worried. I will campaign and retain my victory,” he said.
MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the commission was a law-biding and respects the court’s judgment.
His response is in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment that MEC erred in appealing the presidential election case, arguing the electoral body is not an aggrieved party but a referee in the electoral process.
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