Kamplepo Kalua questions MEC’s transparency over Smartmatic registration and verification machine: Calls for constitutional accountability

By Burnett Munthali

Honourable Kamplepo Kalua has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) ahead of the September 16, 2025 elections.

Kalua expressed deep frustration over MEC’s refusal to allow independent ICT experts to inspect the software installed in the newly acquired Smartmatic voting machine.

He stated that he is among the many Malawians who desire a free, fair, and credible election, and cannot understand why MEC is deliberately avoiding transparency on such a critical matter.

According to Kalua, it is the very software embedded in the Smartmatic machine that MEC intends to use to favor a particular political party, which is why the Commission remains adamant in denying independent scrutiny.

He further revealed that his team has written to the original owners of the Smartmatic machine to seek clarity on its functions.

In response, the manufacturers provided key information, including the machine’s serial number and date of manufacture, which has strengthened suspicions regarding its potential misuse.

Kalua also highlighted that they are aware of how similar Smartmatic machines were used in elections in Venezuela, Mozambique, and Philadelphia — with contentious outcomes.

Citing constitutional provisions, Kalua referred to Section 4 of the Constitution of Malawi, which guarantees the sovereignty of the people.

He also referenced Section 6, emphasizing that public affairs must be conducted transparently and in the interest of all Malawians.

Kalua questioned where MEC Chairperson Annabelle Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi derive the authority to deny citizens access to a machine that was publicly purchased for electoral purposes.

He reminded the public that the Smartmatic machine was initially bought to assist with voter registration, voter verification, and vote transmission, not for secretive manipulation.

Kalua insisted that every Malawian is entitled to vote, as clearly stipulated in Section 12(1) of the Constitution, which reinforces equality and participation in democratic governance.

He warned that by refusing transparency, the MEC Chairperson and the Chief Elections Officer are in direct breach of the Constitution, specifically Section 5, which states that any act inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid.

Kalua strongly suggested that MEC’s intentions point to a planned rigging of the election in favor of a particular political party, which threatens the integrity of the entire electoral process.

He emphasized that Malawians do not want to descend into anarchy, division, or bloodshed because of elections, but rather desire national unity and peace.

Kalua invoked Section 34, which guarantees the freedom of assembly and expression, and called on the police not to intimidate people who raise legitimate concerns.

He also cited Section 37, which grants citizens the right to access public information, and argued that this includes the Smartmatic machine and its software.

He declared that MEC Chair Annabelle Mtalimanja and CEO Andrew Mpesi must be held accountable for violating constitutional provisions and betraying public trust.

Kalua went further to say that even individual judges and police officers who act in ways that undermine the Constitution in relation to elections must be taken to court.

He concluded by referencing Section 36, which ensures the right to legal redress, and firmly stated that Malawians will not allow this controversial machine to be used in the upcoming elections.

Drawing a parallel, Kalua reminded the public that in Michigan, authorities attempted to implement a similar machine-based system, but eventually abandoned it in favor of a manual voting system after public outcry.

Kalua reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that free and fair elections take place on September 16, 2025, and vowed to oppose any attempts to undermine Malawi’s democratic values.