MEC Pledges to Uphold Constitutional Rights and Fair Voter Registration Ahead of 2025 Elections

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all eligible citizens and ensuring fair access to voter registration for the 2025 General Elections.

To uphold these principles, MEC has extended Phase One of the voter registration period, accommodating time lost when registration services were temporarily unavailable following a court ruling on October 25, 2024.

MEC announced it would proceed with Phase Two of the voter registration as per its pre-set schedule, from October 9 to October 22, 2024. It is anticipated that the National Registration Bureau (NRB) will have implemented citizen registration services at all designated centers by then, in line with the court’s directive.

MEC Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, assured in the statement that the Commission would continue to engage with the NRB to ensure alignment with the court’s prescribed process.

The statement comes after a 14-day ultimatum issued by opposition parties, including the UDF, DPP, AFORD, and UTM, urging MEC to address their concerns regarding the registration process.

However, public reactions to MEC’s statement have been mixed. Some citizens on social media have accused MEC leadership of bias, alleging that opposition parties were excluded from the electoral planning stages.

Justice Mtalimanja has been criticized for perceived favoritism towards the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Lilongwe resident Elizabeth Mvula expressed skepticism toward the process, advising opposition parties to reject MEC’s statement. She called for a complete overhaul of the voter registration phases, alleging that the MCP is manipulating the process to secure victory in 2025.

Calls for an interim government to oversee the electoral process have also gained traction among some citizens, who feel an impartial administration is essential for a fair election in 2025.