MEC Launches Pilot Voter Registration, Addresses Multiparty Liaison Committee
The pilot voter registration exercise will also take place in Chitipa, Nsanje, Lilongwe City, Karonga, Neno, Blantyre, Balaka, and Mzuzu, conducted in two phases.
DEDZA, Malawi — The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) assured members of the Multiparty Liaison Committee (MPLC) in Dedza district Wednesday that the electoral body will conduct its affairs transparently for all Malawians, writes Edward Chikwanda.
Commissioner Richard Chapweteka addressed MPLC members and other stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of the pilot voter registration exercise.
"This pilot will enable all stakeholders to understand how newly procured machines will operate during the upcoming general election," Chapweteka said.
"It's vital for committee members to grasp what's required during this exercise to avoid allegations of rigging."
Chapweteka noted that political parties were involved throughout the procurement process to address concerns about the new equipment.
"We invited them to the airport to witness the arrival of the machines," he said.
"This involvement aimed to remove doubts about the machines' reliability and explain their components, working to eradicate rigging allegations."
The commissioner urged residents of Dedza and across Malawi to register with the National Registration Bureau to participate in future voting exercises.
Dedza District Commissioner Thomas Chigwenembe praised the electoral commission's efforts, calling on MPLC members to disseminate the information correctly.
"It's my plea to all members that they should take a good role in sharing the information gained from the electoral body," Chigwenembe told Africa Brief.
Philemon Ngozo, district secretary for the Malawi Congress Party, welcomed the development.
"We will ensure our representatives are available in the two constituencies where this pilot exercise will be conducted," Ngozo said.
The pilot voter registration exercise will also take place in Chitipa, Nsanje, Lilongwe City, Karonga, Neno, Blantyre, Balaka, and Mzuzu, conducted in two phases.
Representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, and local chiefs attended the meeting.