Voters’ right to political choices fundamental—MEC
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has reminded political parties ahead of the May 2014 Tripartite Elections that voters have a fundamental right to political choices.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day in Lilongwe, MEC commissioner the Reverend Emmanuel Chimkwita-Phiri said MEC, together with other stakeholders, cannot talk about conducting free, fair, transparent, credible and cost-effective elections without the issue of participation rights.
“Participation of people in all electoral processes is a critical component to achieving acceptable elections,” said Chimkwita Phir, who is chairperson of the Electoral Services Committee of MEC.
The commemoration, held under the theme, Free and Fair 2014 Tripartite Elections: My Right, My Responsibility, has come at a time Malawi is preparing to hold its first Tripartite Elections.
Chimkwita-Phiri said democracy is far more than the mere act of periodically casting a vote as it covers the entire process of participation by citizens in the political life of their country.
“Our understanding is that for us to sustain democracy as a nation, we need to conduct periodic free, fair and credible elections. However, the periodic elections need to be accompanied by the right of people to participate in choosing their leaders at local and national level and the right of people to continuously participate in political life before and after the elections. Effective full participation in a free and fair election is an essential element in the full enjoyment of a wide range of human rights,” he said.
In a statement, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) said the day offered people to re-affirm their right to voice their opinion, to take part in public discourse, decision-making processes, including the right to vote, as essential in achieving the full range of human rights, and to enjoy human rights with due regard to co-related duties.
