By Elywin Chighali Mhango
In a resounding call for transparent electoral processes, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), underscored the critical role of information access in upholding democracy during the official opening of the Media and Access to Information Annual Conference held at the Bingu International Convention Centre.
Mtalimanja highlighted that the cornerstone of a truly democratic election lies in the free flow of information. She emphasized that for an election to be fair and inclusive, voters must have unfettered access to comprehensive, accurate, and timely information regarding political candidates, parties, policies, and the overall electoral process. Without such access, there is a risk of misinformation, propaganda, and disinformation distorting the electoral landscape and compromising the essence of democracy itself.
“As the Malawi Electoral Commission, it is our solemn duty to ensure that all key stakeholders – from voters and political parties to media outlets, civil society organizations, and election observers – are equipped with the information they require,” stated Mtalimanja. She affirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to transparency and timely communication throughout every stage of the electoral process.
Looking forward to the upcoming 2025 General Election, Mtalimanja declared that the MEC’s dedication to transparency will only intensify. With the goal of empowering the electorate to make well-informed decisions, the Commission aims to strengthen its efforts in providing accessible, accurate, and relevant information to all involved parties.
The annual conference serves as a platform to reinforce the importance of open information channels in fostering a robust democratic process. As Malawi prepares for its next electoral milestone, the resounding message from the MEC Chairperson is clear: transparency, information access, and communication are the pillars on which a truly democratic election stands.
, underscored the critical role of information access…){kind=link}