Defenders Group Questions Opposition Silence on Smartmatic Machine and MEC Leadership

The Defenders Group for Good Governance has raised concerns over the perceived silence of opposition parties—including the DPP, UDF, AFORD, and UTM—regarding critical issues surrounding the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

These include calls for the removal of MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, the handling of the Smartmatic voting system, and the demand for a complete overhaul of the voter registration process with new MEC Commissioners.

The group expressed fears that Malawi could face unrest similar to the current political instability in Mozambique, where the Smartmatic voting system has been implicated. They noted that Malawi is already hosting refugees fleeing the conflict in Mozambique, yet plans to use the same controversial voting system in its own elections.

In an audio statement, activist Blessings Chaima Lozalio questioned the readiness of Malawians to trust Justice Mtalimanja to oversee free, fair, and credible elections scheduled for September 16, 2025. He challenged Malawians to reflect on their confidence in MEC’s leadership and urged them to pressure opposition leaders into action.

“If the answer is ‘no,’ why are Malawians silent and not pushing their party leaders to demand Justice Mtalimanja’s resignation?” Chaima asked.

He further criticized opposition leaders for failing to assure their supporters of credible elections under Mtalimanja’s leadership. “If opposition leaders trust her, they should communicate this to their supporters to rebuild confidence in MEC. Otherwise, they must act decisively,” he said.

Chaima reiterated the Defenders Group’s demands for Justice Mtalimanja and NRB boss Mphatso Sambo to step down, for the Smartmatic system to be abandoned, and for a fresh voter registration exercise with new MEC Commissioners.

He assured opposition leaders that Malawians are ready to vote but fear their votes may be compromised, citing allegations that results could already be predetermined in favor of President Lazarus Chakwera. Chaima warned of nationwide unrest if Chakwera were to win the elections, emphasizing that citizens expect victory to go to an opposition leader or a candidate from a united alliance.

The Defenders Group called on all patriotic Malawians to demand accountability and transparency, urging them to intensify pressure to prevent the MCP and President Chakwera from returning to power.

“Our goal is to ensure peace, law, and order in the country, but this requires active participation from all Malawians,” Chaima concluded.