MEC trains electoral clerks in biometric technology
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has started training district electoral clerks in how to use the biometric system ahead of the voter registration exercise expected to start next month in preparation for 2019 Tripartite Elections.
Speaking on the sidelines of a three- day training workshop in Mulanje, District on Saturday, MEC commissioner and chairperson for Electoral Service Committee, Jean Mathanga, said the workshop was important in the electoral calendar as it will build a base for the elections’ success.
“As you are all aware, MEC has been using a paper-based system during registration called Optical Mark Recognition {OMR}. But now we are migrating to new technology which is biometric, and we want to introduce our clerks in the districts to the system,” she said.
Mathanga said the training will also update the clerks on major activities planned by the commission in preparation for the forthcoming elections.
She urged all Malawians aged 18 and above to register once registration starts.
“This time we will have almost 5 006 centres countrywide. We urge all Malawians to come out and register. This is a new technology in which 2014 voter registration cards will not be allowed,” said Mathanga.
Balaka district elections clerk Davis Gonondo said the training will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their roles as clerks in the forthcoming tripartite elections.
