Malawi Election Body Vows Credibility With New Tech
The MEC is expected to begin voter registration for the 2025 elections next month.
Mzuzu, Malawi - The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has pledged to conduct credible elections in 2025, citing the adoption of new Election Management Devices (EMDs) as a key factor, writes Victor Musongole.
The EMDs, which will replace the previous biometric system, are portable devices designed to streamline voter registration, transfer, inspection, candidate nomination, and results management.
“People should trust the EMDs are very safe and secure,” MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja told reporters after demonstrating the system to civil society organizations and media members in Mzuzu on Thursday.
“They have both electronic and hard data storage, so they shouldn't be skeptical.”
Mtalimanja acknowledged concerns regarding the system's security, assuring the audience that the devices are designed to withstand any security threats.
“We applaud MEC for this meeting which has answered some critical questions about the new system,” said Edward Kantuseya Gama, chairperson of the Mzuzu civil society organizations.
“We have hope they will address other concerns raised, and our call to other stakeholders is to work with MEC in sensitisation of elections.”
The MEC is expected to begin voter registration for the 2025 elections next month.