By Wezzie Gausi:
Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) Chairperson Judge Annabel Mtalimanja has officially handed over the Preliminary Voters Register for the 2025 General Elections to political parties, marking a crucial step in promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe, Mtalimanja said the handover activity was part of the legal requirement for inspection and verification of the voters’ register, as stipulated in sections 20 and 21 of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act.
“The register we are handing over is not just an ordinary document; it is a sensitive legal document that must be handled with the utmost care and responsibility.
“Political parties must use it solely for electoral purposes and submit any anomalies through the correct channels,” Mtalimanja said.
She outlined four ways through which the public and stakeholders could access the register: physical copies at registration centres, electronic versions provided to political parties, copies available at Mec regional offices and an SMS verification system via *2509#.
The Mec Chairperson further revealed that a quality check had identified 305 voter records with issues related to unclear or incorrect photographs.
She assured stakeholders that corrective measures would be taken during the verification exercise, which runs from May 13 to 31.
Mtalimanja also warned against the spread of disinformation, urging political parties to address concerns directly with the commission before going public.
Boniface Chibwana
“As we approach the elections, false narratives and fake news will continue to surface. Political parties must help fight disinformation by verifying facts before sharing and by educating their supporters,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) and all registered political parties, CMD Executive Director Boniface Chibwana commended Mec for its commitment to openness.
“The decision to provide political parties with access to the register is commendable. It reflects Mec’s dedication to transparency and stakeholder engagement,” Chibwana said.
He emphasised that political parties recognised the responsibility that comes with accessing such a sensitive document and pledged to use it only for its intended electoral purpose.
“The register defines who can vote and where. It is the foundation of any credible election. We will use it responsibly and raise any issues through the established procedures,” he said.
