DCs urge swift response to election emergencies

Northern Region-based district commissioners have urged Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to provide adequate resources to councils and urgently respond to emergencies during the September 16 2025 Tripartite Election.

In particular, the DCs are pushing for sufficient r e source allocat ion to district elections supervisory teams (Dests) as well as swift intervention on emerging issues affecting Multiparty Liaison Committees.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues during an engagement with MEC commissioners and staff on Monday in Mzuzu, Mzimba DC Rodney Simwaka said experience has shown that resource challenges force election officials to use their own resources to save the day.

He said: “Yes, we have scheduled meetings which are properly supported. But in case of emergencies, we are asking them to be responding timely because elections are emotive. We need swift response to issues so that we also do our job effectively.”

Simwaka also urged the commission to improve on logistical arrangements in hard-to-reach areas, including those which use water transport to ferry electoral materials such as Nkhata Bay.

Simwaka said well-wishers end up donating their vehicles and boats, a development which puts the election into question.

In response, MEC director of legal services David Matumika Banda assured that the commission is duty-bound to plan and provide resources in all areas and in time.

The Dest membership at district level comprises the DC or chief executive officer, director of administration, police officer-in charge, chief education officer and constituency returning officer, among others.

The September 2025 poll will be the country’s seventh general election and eligible Malawians will elect the State President, members of Parliament and ward councillors.