Malawi Electoral Body Launches New Framework to Handle 2025 Election Disputes
Stakeholders at the workshop were invited to provide feedback, which will be incorporated into the framework's final version before implementation.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), unveiled a comprehensive Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) Framework Monday, marking a significant shift in how the country will handle electoral complaints ahead of the 2025 General Election, writes Winston Mwale.
"The Commission must ensure that it does not create the impression that it is capable of receiving, investigating, and enforcing all electoral laws, resolving all disputes," Mtalimanja said during the validation workshop.
She emphasized that MEC would focus primarily on election irregularities while collaborating with other institutions for different types of disputes.
The new framework introduces a hybrid approach, combining alternative dispute resolution methods with existing electoral law mechanisms.
Created under Section 75 of Malawi's Constitution, MEC operates within a legal framework encompassing the Malawi Electoral Commission Act and laws governing presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.
"Management of electoral complaints and disputes is a matter of law, and it is the responsibility of the Commission," Mtalimanja explained.
"The Commission is at liberty to decide upon in terms of how it wishes to discharge this responsibility."
The EDR Framework aims to strengthen Malawi's electoral dispute resolution system, making it "more effective, reliable, and functional to suit all elections," according to Mtalimanja.
The commission's mandate includes determining electoral petitions and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.
Stakeholders at the workshop were invited to provide feedback, which will be incorporated into the framework's final version before implementation.
The initiative comes as Malawi prepares for its next general election in 2025.