Malawi Tackles Election Disinformation as 2025 Polls Loom
To combat this threat, the MEC plans to work diligently to provide accurate and timely information to the public.
LILONGWE, Malawi — As Malawi gears up for its 2025 general elections, the specter of disinformation looms large, prompting the country's electoral body to sound an early alarm, writes Winston Mwale.
"Disinformation and misinformation, whether spread innocently or maliciously, can undermine the democratic process and erode public trust," warned Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), in a press conference Tuesday.
The stark warning comes as the MEC unveiled its comprehensive plan for the upcoming tripartite elections, scheduled for September 16, 2025.
With the proliferation of social media and digital platforms, the commission faces an uphill battle against false narratives that could sway voter opinion or discourage participation.
Mtalimanja urged political leaders, aspiring candidates, and citizens to verify information before sharing, especially on digital platforms.
"Should anyone come across any information purported to be from the Commission, always pause to check and verify with us through our designated information outlets before forwarding or posting," she advised.
To combat this threat, the MEC plans to work diligently to provide accurate and timely information to the public.
However, Mtalimanja emphasized that preserving the democratic process is a shared responsibility, calling on stakeholders and the general public to take an active role in fact-checking and responsible information sharing.
Against this backdrop of information warfare, the MEC unveiled "Promoting Democratic Leadership Through Your Vote" as the theme for the 2025 elections.
The slogan underscores the commission's push for increased voter participation in a country where turnout has been a persistent challenge.
In a significant move, the MEC announced a fresh voter registration process, necessitated by recent boundary changes that have increased the number of constituencies from 193 to 229 and wards from 462 to 509.
"This effectively means that everyone has to go and register as a voter to participate in the 2025 General Election," Mtalimanja explained.
The commission is modernizing its approach, transitioning from Biometric Voter Registration Kits to Election Management Devices (EMDs).
With 6,500 new gadgets and power banks procured, the MEC aims to enhance efficiency in electoral processes.
Voter registration will be conducted in three 14-day phases, with dates to be announced later.
The MEC chair emphasized that only those with valid national identification cards will be eligible to register, urging citizens to ensure their documentation is in order.
As Malawi navigates the complex landscape of election preparation amidst digital-age challenges, the MEC's early focus on combating disinformation signals a recognition of the evolving threats to democratic processes.
The success of these efforts could provide valuable lessons for other African nations facing similar challenges in the digital era.
With 427 days until the polls open, Malawi's electoral commission is setting the stage for what it hopes will be a transparent, efficient, and inclusive democratic process, while simultaneously fighting to maintain the integrity of information in the public sphere.