Malawi Electoral Body Vows Credible Polls, Urges Voter Education
Nsanje has 169 designated voter registration and polling centers across its five constituencies.
NSANJE, Malawi - The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has assured its readiness to conduct free, fair and credible general elections scheduled for September 2025, calling on stakeholders to raise voter awareness on the revised electoral laws, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Speaking at a multi-party stakeholder meeting in Nsanje District on Thursday, MEC Commissioner Francis Kasaila outlined the electoral body's detailed preparations and campaign to educate the electorate before the polls on September 16.
"We have new electoral laws which have stiffer punishments that voters should know," Kasaila told participants, urging them to disseminate the information across communities.
He said the stakeholder engagement aimed to ensure comprehensive understanding of the amended legal framework governing the upcoming elections.
MacShadis Dakamau, representing the Nsanje District Commissioner, welcomed the timely meeting that brought together members from various political parties, pledging that stakeholders would relay the updates to constituents.
However, religious leader Henry Mzongoloti challenged the MEC to handle all electoral matters professionally and provide equal treatment regardless of whether concerns emanated from the ruling party or opposition.
"There should be equal treatment regardless which side the concern has come from, either the government or opposition," Mzongoloti emphasized.
Nsanje has 169 designated voter registration and polling centers across its five constituencies.
The MEC is undertaking similar nationwide consultations to harmonize the dissemination of revised electoral guidelines and codes ahead of the 2025 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.
Malawi's previous elections in 2019 were marred by court proceedings and protests over allegations of irregularities, culminating in a historic re-run that ushered in the Tonse Alliance administration.