By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Electoral Commission has called on political parties and other stakeholders pushing for an audit of the elections management system to submit a scope of the audit.
MEC Chairperson Anabel Mtalimanja emphasized that the scope should be clearly defined to enable the commission to make an informed decision.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, Mtalimanja noted that despite MEC’s repeated requests, no party has submitted a scope of the audit. “Since MEC started responding on this matter in September [last year], there is no party that has written MEC as we had advised.
We have been saying that those who want the audit to be done, they must provide us with the scope of the audit so that the commission can make an informed decision,” she said.
Mtalimanja’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the integrity of Malawi’s electoral process.
Some stakeholders have raised questions about the security and reliability of the elections management system, prompting calls for an audit.
The MEC chairperson’s call for a clearly defined scope of the audit is aimed at ensuring that any audit conducted is focused and effective.
By specifying the scope, stakeholders can ensure that the audit addresses specific concerns and areas of the electoral process.
In addition to the audit issue, Mtalimanja also cautioned politicians, social media influencers, and other influential people against spreading misinformation on matters related to elections.
She emphasized that promoting misinformation can discourage people from participating in voting, which is a critical aspect of democratic processes.
“We urge all stakeholders to ensure that they provide accurate information to the public,” Mtalimanja said.
“Misinformation can have serious consequences, and it is our collective responsibility to promote a culture of truth and accuracy,” She added.
The MEC’s efforts to promote electoral integrity and accuracy are crucial in maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
By calling for a clearly defined scope of the audit and cautioning against misinformation, the commission is working to ensure that Malawi’s democratic processes are robust and credible.
As Malawi prepares for future elections, the MEC’s initiatives will play a vital role in shaping the country’s electoral landscape.
The commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be essential in building trust among stakeholders and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The Malawi Electoral Commission’s call for a scope of audit and its caution against misinformation are important steps in promoting electoral integrity.
By working together with stakeholders, the commission can ensure that Malawi’s electoral process is credible, transparent, and trustworthy.
