The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has underscored the crucial role of election observers in ensuring transparency and credibility in electoral processes.
The remarks were made on Tuesday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during a stakeholder engagement meeting with both local and international observers.
MEC Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, emphasized the Commission’s appreciation of the observers’ oversight role and their presence helps communities understand the quality of elections, adding that the Commission has processed all applications for accreditation.
Justice Mtalimanja also acknowledged concerns over the delay by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera in assenting to the amendment bill on the provision for voting outside designated areas.
She explained that until the law is enacted, MEC has no authority to permit such voting arrangements.
However, Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) Chairperson, Benedicto Kondowe, expressed concern that the delay in assenting the law could negatively affect the credibility of the upcoming elections and he warned that with polls approaching, the situation could trigger legal disputes.
Kondowe further urged President Chakwera to act quickly for the sake of electoral integrity, citing on the urgency of the matter.
Meanwhile, MEC has accredited 78 organizations, including embassies, civil society groups, and faith-based institutions, after scrutinizing their applications.
