By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has rejected calls from the major opposition parties — AFORD, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), and United Transformation Movement (UTM) — to suspend the second phase of the voter registration exercise scheduled to commence on Friday, November 8, 2024. The opposition parties argued that the registration should be halted until issues affecting the credibility and accessibility of the process are addressed.
Representatives from these parties recently raised concerns with MEC, citing challenges in the first phase of registration, including equipment malfunctions, inadequate voter education, and issues with registration staff, which they believe could compromise the accuracy and inclusiveness of the voter roll. In a joint statement, the opposition parties urged MEC to take corrective measures before advancing to the next phase.
However, in a press briefing on Thursday, MEC Chairperson Dr. Chifundo Kachale stated that the commission is proceeding with the registration as scheduled. Dr. Kachale emphasized MEC’s commitment to delivering an efficient, transparent, and accessible registration process, highlighting that the commission has made preparations to improve upon any shortcomings identified in the first phase.
“Halting the registration process would disrupt our electoral timeline, potentially impacting the 2025 general elections,” Dr. Kachale remarked. He assured that MEC has mobilized additional resources and personnel to address issues raised, and he urged opposition leaders to encourage their supporters to register and participate fully.
MEC also emphasized its readiness to continue engaging with all political stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration throughout the electoral process. The commission assured that mechanisms are in place to promptly resolve any technical issues that may arise during the registration period, with the aim of ensuring that every eligible voter is registered.
Despite MEC’s assurances, AFORD, DPP, UDF, and UTM remain skeptical about the commission’s capacity to address the problems adequately. They have indicated that they will continue to monitor the process closely and reserve the right to escalate their concerns if irregularities persist.
The second phase of the registration will cover central and northern regions, and MEC has expressed confidence in its ability to deliver a more seamless experience for citizens in these areas. As the voter registration proceeds, MEC’s handling of the process will be under intense scrutiny from both opposition leaders and the public, as Malawians look forward to an inclusive and credible electoral process in 2025.
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