The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (Cseif) has demanded a swift and transparent investigation into the recent arrests of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officials and data-entry clerks accused of manipulating election results.
The Malawi Police Service on Friday issued a statement on the arrests of several people, some of whom MEC workers, over their alleged involvement in the manipulation of data in the September 16 General Election
and (inset) Kalaya. I Joseph Mwale
Addressing the media at Lifestyle Hotel in Lilongwe yesterday, Cseif chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said they have taken note of the police statement, but called for speed in probing the matter.
He commended the police for acting swiftly on “a matter of grave national concern”.
Said Kondowe: “We urge the police to conduct speedy, thorough and transparent investigations to ensure that all those found culpable face the law.
“Any delay or lack of clarity risks undermining public confidence in the electoral process at this critical stage.”
He further called on MEC to assure Malawians that the incident will not compromise the integrity of results from the affected constituency.
“MEC has an irreplaceable constitutional duty to safeguard the will of the people by ensuring every vote is counted and carries equal weight. Cseif reaffirms its commitment to closely monitor developments and will continue engaging relevant authorities to ensure Malawi’s democratic gains are protected,” stated Kondowe.
On Friday afternoon, National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said the police arrested eight people on suspicion of manipulating data for Lilongwe Nkhoma Constituency.
He said: “Their arrest follows investigations on an attempted suicide case involving Clement Chikankha, a MEC constituency returning officer.
“We are also following up on similar cases reported in Mangochi, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Machinga and Rumphi districts. We urge Malawians to remain calm as it works against the clock to finalise the investigations.”
A separate police report also indicated that in Chikwawa, Beatrice Nkunama, 29, allegedly attempted suicide by stabbing herself with a knife after failing to balance the results of both machine and manual tabulation.
She was working as a presiding officer at Mkhate School Polling Centre.
Police also arrested three people in Mangochi who are now on bail over similar allegations.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Multiparty Democracy has urged political parties and the public to desist from inciting violence, intimidation and self-declaration of victory.
