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MEC challenges CSOs on public trust

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has challenged the newly-launched Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum to actively participate and responsively advocate for transparent and accountable implementation of activities towards the September 16 General Election to earn public trust.

Delivering a keynote address at the launch of the forum in Lilongwe yesterday, MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja said the new platform’s role was vital and transformative.

She asked civil society organisations (CSOs) making up the forum to be active participants and not mere spectators in election activities.

Mtalimanja: Let us work together. | George Singini

Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, said the forum should ensure that all activities that they carry are towards fostering public trust and confidence in the electoral body as an institution responsible for conducting and managing elections.

She said: “By working together and learning from each other’s experiences, we can enhance our capacity to resolve electoral disputes, safeguard democratic values, and ensure that justice and fairness prevail.”

Mtalimanja said there have been situations where steps taken by MEC towards holding of the 2025 General Election have been undermined by political parties and some CSOs, in the process eroding public trust in the elections management body.

She said: “For example, the calling of the public to boycott participation of electoral processes, particularly voter registration exercise, has had a negative impact that we all can attest to. This, among others, should be a cause for concern the forum and should also be a catalyst for initiatives to address these issues.

“One of the foremost challenges in delivering a credible election is ensuring that there is trust in the elections management body by all electoral stakeholders.”

The forum’s chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said although MEC is responsible for managing elections, there is need for collaboration of stakeholders to secure free, fair and credible elections.

He said the forum will help fight misinformation and disinformation to enable the voters have the right information.

Kondowe, who is National Advocacy Platform (NAP) chairperson, said: “Misinformation can lead to voter apathy, but also promote hatred among Malawians. The forum will also focus on dealing with political violence as it has potential to affect realisation of free, fair and credible elections.

“Political violence stifles the right to vote because for you to be informed of which leader to vote fo,  you need to have access to information. Where you draw boundaries that party X cannot campaign here you are depriving the potential voters the information”

National Initiative for Civic Education executive director Gray Kalindekafe supported calls to fight misinformation, saying it has the potential to promote hatred and bring divisions.

The forum, launched by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition, NAP and other CSOs, aims to foster collaboration and encourage dialogue and partnerships among CSOs, election stakeholders and communities to address challenges and opportunities in the country’s democratic processes.

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