Registered voters have cast doubt on the credibility and integrity of the September 16 General Election due to concerns about politically-connected violence, fears that counting will not be done properly and rigging allegations.
In a survey by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (Ipor), the voters also said they feel the integrity of the elections could be affected by lack of intra-party democracy, offensive rhetoric by politicians and failure to register by some eligible voters.
Conducted across 27 districts, except Likoma, between December 2024 and January 2025 with a sample size of 1200, the survey sought to gather accurate data on citizens’ perceptions, expectations and concerns about the electoral process ahead of elections.
It also sought to gather perceptions on government performance in service delivery, and socio-economic issues, and pinpoint key issues likely to influence voter decisions, and understand views on women’s representation in politics.
To ensure free and fair elections, at least 68 percent want a neutral police and army, while 67 percent want a transparent counting process, 66 percent are for quick resolution of post-election disputes and 60 percent felt presence of party monitors in all polling stations will be helpful.
Responding to The Nation questionnaire, Ipor director of training and research Professor Michael Chasukwa said results of the survey are a reality check for the ongoing electoral activities that different stakeholders need to reflect on.
He said: “Having credible electoral process helps avoid unnecessary electoral disputes. Life after polling, legitimacy of the government is also partly attributed to the integrity of the electoral process.
“All stakeholders involved in electoral activities need to be professional and impartial when carrying out their duties. Professionalism and impartiality will protect and promote the integrity of the electoral process and results.”
Chasukwa said there is need for honest dialogue about the concerns being raised and take action, citing the National Election Consultative Forum as an ideal structure for such dialogue.
The report has also shown that the social media with a score of 35 percent, governing party at 51 percent, opposition parties at 54 percent and government officials, including Cabinet ministers at 58 percent, are among the least trusted sources of information about the elections.
However, it shows that Malawians place the highest levels of trust in family members with a score of 79 percent, religious leaders at 76 percent, civil society organisations and chiefs at 73 percent and Malawi Electoral Commission at 71 percent.
Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said without adequate funding and coordination, CSOs may be unable to counter misinformation or reach marginalized and rural voters.
He said this will leave a vacuum that untrusted actors could exploit to the detriment of electoral integrity.
Kondowe said: “So far, commitments on funding have fallen short of the target [K30 billion], though dialogue with partners is ongoing. However, government must assume primary responsibility for adequately resourcing civic and voter education.”
During the recent Public Affairs Committee (PAC) All Inclusive Meeting in Blantyre, MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja warned that the current atmosphere of mistrust among electoral stakeholders could compromise public confidence in the polls’ processes.
Inspector General (IG) of Police Merlyne Yolamu also told the conference that police have done their best and have arrested some suspects of political violence while others were convicted.
Meanwhile, governance expert George Chaima said police need further reforms, and failure to fully trust both sides of political engines was a serious governance deficit.
Malawi heads to the polls on September 16 2025, when people will be expected to elect a President, members of Parliament and ward councillors.
