LILONGWE, Malawi — The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will on Friday take delivery of Biometric Voter Verification and Identification (BVVI) devices, marking a critical step in preparations for the Sept. 16 general elections, writes Winston Mwale.
In a statement issued Wednesday, MEC Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the consignment will arrive aboard Emirates Flight EK9747 at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe at 12:40 p.m. on Aug. 22.
The commission has invited all registered political parties, independent presidential candidates, and civil society organizations to send up to two representatives each to witness the arrival and warehousing of the kits.
“The Commission encourages stakeholders to take part in this important logistical milestone as we work toward credible, transparent, and inclusive elections,” the statement said.
The BVVI devices will be used to verify voters’ identities, a measure expected to boost the integrity of the voter register and minimise irregularities on polling day.
The September elections are viewed as a pivotal moment for Malawi’s democracy, with President Lazarus Chakwera seeking re-election against several challengers, including former President Peter Mutharika.