By-elections can restore MEC public trust—Mesn
Malawi Electoral Support Network (Mesn) says tomorrow’s by-elections p r e s e n t t h e b e s t opportunity for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to regain public trust.
Mesn chairperson Steven Duwa expressed the sentiments in an interview in Lilongwe after opening a day-long orientation for election observers.
He said MEC should ensure high levels of professionalism, transparency and accountability in handling the November 1 2016 by-lections if Malawians are to trust the electoral managers in subsequent elections.
Said Duwa: “MEC should put in place stringent measures to avoid a repeat of the mistakes committed during the 2014 Tripartite Elections and before. Over the recent past, we have made and recommended a number of resolutions towards achieving free, fair and credible elections.
“It is our belief that MEC will see the need to take them on board during these by-elections to avoid repeating similar mistakes we have witnessed in the past elections.”
He also urged MEC to ensure that all electoral materials are distributed timely, and that there is no mix-up in the distribution process.
MEC acting spokesperson Richard Mveriwa agreed with Duwa’s concerns, but assured that the commission will leave no stone unturned in handling the by-elections to meet expectations of the voter.
He said : “ I can confidently assure you that everything is in place. We are finalising delivery of materials tomorrow [Monday], and deployment of electoral staff is currently underway.”
MEC will conduct byelections in Mchinji West Constituency, Bembeke Ward in Dedza, Kaliyeka Ward in Lilongwe South East Constituency, Sadzi Ward in Zomba Central Constituency and Bunda Ward in Kasungu.
The orientation workshop was financed by the United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development ( D f I D ) through the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for Foreign Affairs.