MEC Holds Working Session to Review Election Procedures, Forms, and Manuals
MEC reviews election procedures, forms, manuals led by Mpesi.
MPONELA, Malawi - The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has commenced a working session on the review of election procedures, forms, and manuals, led by Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi, writes Winston Mwale.
The session, which began on July 17th, 2023, in Mponela, aims to prepare for the country's upcoming General Elections scheduled for September 16th, 2025.
During his opening speech, Mpesi emphasised the significance of the working session in light of the approaching elections.
He highlighted that although two years and two months may seem like a distant future, each day counts in election preparations.
Mpesi also stressed the importance of preparing procedures, forms, and manuals not only for the General Elections but also for any potential by-elections within the coming year.
Participants from the MEC's Head Office, Regional Offices, and districts were commended for their presence at the workshop, as their collective efforts contribute to the success of the Commission.
Mpesi noted that the working session not only aims to develop relevant and appropriate electoral procedures, forms, and manuals but also serves as a capacity-building initiative, promoting knowledge sharing and clarifying any unclear areas.
The review of electoral procedures, forms, and manuals has been necessitated by recent developments, including the Supreme Court of Appeal judgement and subsequent legal reforms.
Following an appeal after the annulment of the 2019 Presidential elections, the Supreme Court upheld the judgement and made additional pronouncements, requiring immediate amendments to laws and faulting the MEC for using structures not backed by legislation.
In response to the court judgements, the government embarked on legal reform processes for electoral laws, leading to the drafting, tabling, and passing of three bills: the Constitution Amendment Act No. 4 of 2023, the Electoral Commission Act No. 11 of 2023, and the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Elections Act (PPLGEA) No. 10 of 2023.
The PPLGEA consolidated two separate pieces of legislation related to parliamentary and presidential elections and local government elections.
Mpesi emphasized the importance of aligning election procedures and forms with the applicable electoral laws and regulations to avoid legal challenges.
He highlighted the establishment of Constituency Tally Centres as an example of the need for adherence to legal frameworks to enhance transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
In closing, Mpesi urged participants to undertake the review exercise seriously and ensure that the developed election procedures and forms align with the applicable legal framework.
He emphasised the Commission's commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections and expressed the hope that the working session would contribute significantly to the preparations for the next general election in 2025.
The working session on the review of election procedures, manuals, and forms was officially declared open, marking the beginning of a crucial phase in the electoral preparations.
MEC continues to prioritise the integrity and transparency of the electoral process as it works towards conducting successful elections in the future.