The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it will strive for quality in the 2014 tripartite elections to ensure the process is smooth and credible.
Chairperson for Electoral Services Committee at MEC, Reverend Emmanuel Chimkwita Phiri, made the remarks recently in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on the sidelines of a public hearing on ward demarcation for Mangochi town and district councils.
“We are currently setting up very strong foundations for public participation in the country’s governance by promoting transparency and accountability in election management.
“The commission is also happy that since it considered taking a consultative approach in running ideas of elections, all stakeholders are walking together with us to sustain the quality of the polls,” said Chimkwita Phiri.
He asked eligible voters to register afresh when the exercise begins on July 22. He said the process will start in the South, followed by the Centre and the North.
“Every eligible voter will be required to register afresh irrespective of whether they participated in the previous general elections. However, people will be expected to bring with them the voter ID for easy identification,” said Chimkwita Phiri.
He appealed to traditional, political and religious leaders to level the playing field for all candidates, saying elections entrench democracy.
“Democracy cannot be discussed in isolation of elections,” said Chimkwita Phiri.
District commissioner for Mangochi Bester Mandele asked MEC to continue community sensitisation and mobilisation so that people understand the various processes in the elections.
