By Burnett Munthali
During a press briefing on Tuesday, November 12, Shadric Namalomba, the Presidential Spokesperson and National Publicity Secretary for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), made a firm statement regarding the party’s stance on recent remarks made by one of its commissioners Francis Kasaila. Namalomba expressed the party’s dissatisfaction with the commissioner, who had publicly stated that he saw no issue with the use of the Smartmatic voting system.
Namalomba clarified that the DPP, as an organization, does not endorse this view, particularly in light of ongoing concerns regarding electoral transparency and the integrity of the voting process. He emphasized that the comments made by the commissioner were personal opinions and did not reflect the party’s official position.
The controversy surrounding the Smartmatic system has become a significant topic of debate in Malawi’s political circles. Critics, including opposition parties and civil society groups, have raised alarm over the use of the system, citing fears of potential rigging and manipulation of the electoral process. The DPP, Namalomba stressed, has consistently advocated for a transparent and fair electoral process that ensures all Malawians have confidence in the outcomes.
“This individual’s opinion does not represent the collective views of the DPP,” Namalomba stated unequivocally. “As a party, we are committed to ensuring that the electoral process remains free from any form of compromise. The party does not support any system that could undermine the credibility of our elections.”
The Presidential Spokesperson further assured the public that the DPP would continue to monitor the use of Smartmatic closely and engage in discussions to ensure that the system meets the standards of fairness, transparency, and accuracy required in a democratic society.
The statement comes at a time when political tensions are rising as the nation prepares for upcoming elections. As the debate around Smartmatic intensifies, the DPP’s disavowal of the commissioner’s comments is likely to fuel further discussion about the role of technology in Malawi’s electoral process.
With the public’s trust in the electoral system being a key issue, Namalomba’s remarks serve as a reminder of the DPP’s commitment to advocating for an election process that reflects the will of the people and upholds democratic values. The issue is expected to remain a focal point in the coming months as election preparations continue.
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