Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has asked religious leaders in the country to promote messages of unity and dispel hate speeches ahead of the September 2025 General Elections.
MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja made the call in Lilongwe yesterday when the electoral body held a meeting with faith leaders as part of its ongoing electoral stakeholders engagement aimed at providing updates on its activities towards ensuring a free and fair election.
after the elections
She said: “We rely on you, please tell the people the truth because in this time of social media, a lot goes around and most of the information mislead people but you can control that.”
Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, also dismissed calls for her to resign as MEC chairperson, stressing that her integrity will be tested after the elections and the events afterwards.
“People rush to judge, but as we have always said, this MEC is dedicated and is guided by the values of honesty. No one should doubt its credibility and we will deliver to our best,” she said.
CCAP Synod of Livingston general secretary the Reverend William Tembo, speaking on behalf of the delegates, said MEC should maintain engaging with stakeholders if it has to ensure credibility.
“This should not be the first and last time, the journey is long and we need to be updating each other along the way. We will play our part but they must walk the talk,” he said.
Last week, some opposition parties and civil society representatives planned a march to MEC offices to deliver their petition demanding the resignation of Mtalimanja, MEC chief elections officer Andrew Mpesi and National Registration Bureau Principal Secretary Mphatso Sambo for alleged failure to discharge duties and preside over the September 16 2025 General Elections.
The opposition parties are also protesting against the use of Smartmatics information and communication technology election management system, among others.
But in a letter dated November 11 2024 addressed to secretaries general of opposition parties demanding her resignation, Mtalimanja said MEC is committed to discharging its powers and functions within the framework of the country’s Constitution.
She is accused of being compromised for allegedly being connected to a former Malawi Congress Party politician.
