By Jones Gadama
The Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC (ECF-SADC) held its Executive Committee meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi, on June 4, 2025. The meeting brought together electoral leaders from the region to discuss key issues, including the challenges posed by disinformation and fake news in electoral processes.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is currently preparing for the General Election scheduled for September 16, 2025.
The meeting provided a timely opportunity for the MEC to exchange ideas, experiences, and lessons with colleagues who have either just concluded elections or are preparing for the next cycle.
One of the key areas of focus for the meeting was the increasingly complex issue of disinformation and fake news, particularly in relation to electoral technology.
The deployment of new electoral systems and innovations has created fertile ground for misinformation, speculation, and mistrust on social media platforms.
The meeting was attended by chairpersons and commissioners from ECF-SADC member commissions, chief electoral officers, and other dignitaries.
The ECF-SADC Secretariat was commended for its coordination and support in strengthening collaboration across member commissions.
In the evening, the MEC hosted a dinner for the delegates at 7 pm in the Mulanje Room, Sunbird Capital Hotel. The meeting is expected to raise the standard of electoral practice across the region through dialogue and the sharing of best practices.
The ECF-SADC has long been a beacon of cooperation and capacity building among electoral management bodies in the region.
Malawi is a proud member of this Forum and stands ready to contribute to and learn from the meeting.
The meeting aimed to provide a platform for meaningful connection and exchange among electoral leaders in the region.
