MEC faces K9bn budget deficit
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has lobbied Parliament to increase its elections preparatory budget in the proposed 2024/25 National Budget from K59.7 billion to K68.8 billionto effectively undertake its assignments.
During an appearance before the parliamentary budget cluster on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and Public Appointments in Lilongwe yesterday, MEC chief elections officer Andrew Mpesi said the 44 percent kwacha devaluation implemented last November has resulted in escalation of commodity prices, including fuel.
“These estimates were made before the devaluation. The commission is requesting Parliament to recommend provision of this K9.1 billion shortfall so that we are able to pay for critical services,” he said.
Mpesi added that the increase in constituencies from 193 to 229 is another contributing factor because the number of polling stations will also be revised upwards.
It is estimated that the number of registration/polling centres will be adjusted to 6 400 from 5 002 in the previous election.
MEC projects to spend K30 billion for voter registration and inspection of the voter register. Registration is scheduled for September this year.
The remaining allocations to the election preparatory budget will go towards polling activity which includes nomination of candidates, electoral education outreach and political environment activities, human capital development and personal emoluments, according to Mpesi.
MEC budgeted for an overall funding of $184 million in the three-year electoral cycle which began in the financial year 2023/24.
In the financial year 2023/24, MEC was allocated about K48 billion while the budget allocation for 2024/25 will include a provision of K63 billion for a rerun, in case there is any.
Committee member Lilian Patel, who is Mangochi South legislator, asked if donors were coming in to support the 2025 General Election.
In response, Mpesi said under the Malawi Electoral Support Basket Fund, donors are putting in about $8.3 million for three years, but that the funds mostly benefit civil society organisations and other stakeholders such as the police.
He said: “According to past experience, the responsibility of running the election is solely in the hands of government. Activities are run based on budget estimates and allocations.”
Chiradzulu South legislator Joseph Mwanamvekha urged MEC to ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair and credible manner, adding that reports that under-aged and foreigners from across the borders could be hired to register and vote cannot be ignored.
On fears of election violence, Mpesi urged all politicians to be alert and report to relevant authorities any perpetrators, adding that the current electoral laws will be used to prosecute such individuals.
In a separate interview, committee chairperson Joyce Chitsulo said MEC’s appeal is justifiable and as a committee they will support it.
“We are looking at the fact that next year we are having an election and we need to make sure there are enough resources,” she said.
In the May 2019 Tripartite Elections, MEC budgeted for K55 billion while in the June 2020 court-sanctioned fresh presidential election, the commission was allocated K29 billion.
