FIX THE SYSTEM FLAWS, OPPOSITION PARTIES PENS MEC
Four opposition parties have written the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) expressing concerns over the preparations for the 2025 General elections, citing potential pitfalls that could compromise the integrity of the polls.
Through a letter signed by secretary generals of the four major political parties. The parties demand that MEC look into some issues observed during the simulation of the recent registration exercise.
When contacted by Yetu Radio, on the letter purportedly authored by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), UTM, and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), UDF Secretary-General Kandi Padambo confirmed the authenticity of the letter.
The parties have questioned the capacity of electronic monitoring devices, describing them as inadequate, arguing that the estimated extended time of the registration process, exceeding 10 minutes, may lead to delays and inefficiencies during voter registration.
To ensure transparency, the parties have called for the procurement of independent ICT auditors to oversee the entire electoral process. The parties propose that the process should be facilitated by an independent body.
“We further request that the procurement of the auditors be facilitated by an independent body like UNDP, or any other donor organization as was the case in the 2020 elections, to ensure transparency” reads part of the letter.
The opposition parties have opposed the integration of the electoral system with the National Registration Bureau. They argue that voter IDs should only be used to verify voter eligibility and nothing more.
To safeguard electoral data, the parties propose backing up data at constituency tally centers using SD cards, external hard drives, or hard copies and manual sheets. They emphasize that manual backups are necessary to prevent data loss or manipulation.
Meanwhile, the parties advocate for a manual approach to data transmission instead of electronic data. They suggest that manual sheets should be submitted to the District Commissioner after voter registration with the endorsement of all political party representatives to maintain integrity in the process.
However, speaking with Yetu radio, MEC Director of Media and Public Relations Officer Sangwani Mwafulirwa stated that the commission has not yet received the letter and will provide comment once they have received and reviewed it.
Secretaries-General of the respective parties have signed the letter: Peter Mukhito (DPP), Kandi Padambo (UDF), Patricia Kaliati (UTM), and Linda Limbe (AFORD).
