Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and CCAP Synod of Livingstonia have condemned political violence and decried misinformation regarding the use of election management devices in the September 16 General Election.
In a statement yesterday, HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence said Malawians deserve elections focused on real issues, not a circus of chaos, insults and intimidation.
He urged political leaders to stand up and adhere to the code of conduct that promotes peace and togetherness.
On reports about Smartmatic which Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will use, Trapence said the current debate about the technology was dangerously misleading.
He said: “The problem isn’t the technology. The real threat to Malawi’s democracy is the deliberate manipulation of our electoral system by those who profit from disorder, loopholes, and secrecy.
“Whether the system is manual or electronic, the integrity of the electoral process depends on the integrity of those managing it. It’s not the tool that rigs elections—it’s the hands that wield it.”
Trapence said the resistance to Smartmatic is not about digital security, but about losing control.
On Saturday, CCAP Livingstonia Synod deputy general secretary the Reverend Isaih Vwiyapo Mhone also condemned the violence, but also urged MEC to act on concerns.
“MEC must clarify the use of Smartimatic or reconsider its use. We need an open system,” he said.
Recently, MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the electoral body has always provided platforms for engagement with electoral stakeholders to address issues. He said during the engagements with parties, MEC responded to questions that parties had.
MEC has maintained that it will run hybrid transmission of results and it will also provide information to stakeholders at tally centres to enable them follow up and verify the same.
