Civil Society Organizations issue strong ultimatum to MEC for transparent and credible 2025 Elections

By Burnett Munthali

The electoral future of Malawi has reached a critical moment.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have taken a bold step to defend democracy by issuing a powerful joint statement to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

The statement is directed to the Chairperson of MEC, Justice Dr. Anabel Mtalimanja, and all Honourable Commissioners.

The subject of their communication is an “Urgent Appeal for Electoral Transparency, Accountability, and Credibility in the 2025 General Elections.”

The CSOs emphasize that they are not acting out of partisanship.

Instead, they stress that their actions stem from patriotic duty and an unwavering commitment to strengthening democracy in Malawi.

As the nation moves closer to the pivotal General Elections scheduled for September 16, 2025, the CSOs feel compelled to raise their concerns.

They point out that the challenges emerging during the electoral preparation process demand immediate attention.

The CSOs underline that MEC is entrusted with the sacred duty of upholding the sovereign will of the Malawian people.

They remind MEC that Malawi stands at a defining crossroads.

The aspirations of Malawians, achieved through tremendous sacrifice, are now calling upon MEC to guarantee a transparent, free, fair, and credible election.

However, the CSOs express deep regret over widespread reports of irregularities in the ongoing voter verification exercise.

These irregularities include missing names, misplaced centers, and unexplained omissions.

The resulting confusion and disenfranchisement have caused growing public disillusionment.

The CSOs insist that these are not isolated incidents but represent a national concern that demands urgent and robust intervention.

They specifically attribute the erratic issues to the introduction of Smartmatic systems.

Additionally, they highlight that while MEC proposed the use of Smartmatic for the 2025 elections, the people of Malawi overwhelmingly reject its use.

The CSOs point out that Smartmatic has been surrounded by global controversies.

These controversies raise serious concerns regarding electoral integrity, transparency, technological neutrality, and public trust.

The CSOs passionately declare that the people of Malawi deserve better.

They stress that the sanctity of every vote must be respected and protected without compromise.

In light of these concerns, the CSOs respectfully and urgently call for a series of actions.

Their first demand is the immediate rectification of the voter verification process.

They urge MEC to engage independent auditors to urgently audit the voter roll.

The CSOs also demand that the findings of the audit be disclosed publicly.

They call for a proper opportunity for affected citizens to verify and correct their registration details.

They propose that this process be supported by targeted outreach efforts.

Secondly, the CSOs demand the complete rejection of Smartmatic systems.

They insist that Smartmatic must be disqualified from participating in Malawi’s electoral processes.

Instead, they advocate for the adoption of electoral technologies that are secure, verifiable, independently auditable, and trusted by all stakeholders.

Thirdly, they call for independent oversight and auditing.

They recommend engaging both local and international auditors to monitor MEC’s systems and processes before, during, and after the elections.

Fourth, they demand the full inclusion of electoral stakeholders.

They call for unrestricted access to political parties, civil society, religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, media, and traditional authorities throughout the electoral process.

Fifth, they push for enhanced public communication and engagement.

They urge MEC to intensify voter education efforts across all languages, regions, and platforms.

The CSOs believe this will help combat misinformation and rebuild public confidence.

Sixth, they emphasize the need for strengthened institutional independence with accountability.

They call for the defense of MEC’s independence from political interference.

At the same time, they stress the necessity for full accountability to the Malawian people and the Constitution.

Addressing the Chairperson and the Commissioners directly, the CSOs remind them that history has placed a solemn duty upon their shoulders.

They state that MEC is not merely conducting an administrative exercise.

Instead, MEC is acting as the custodian of Malawi’s democratic future.

The CSOs stress that they seek no confrontation.

Rather, they seek a shared commitment to truth, transparency, and justice.

They pledge their support to MEC when it upholds these democratic values.

Equally, they pledge to challenge any actions that deviate from constitutional and democratic principles.

To underscore the seriousness of their appeal, the CSOs issue a seven (7) days ultimatum for MEC to respond to their concerns.

They warn that failure to respond will compel them to return to the people of Malawi to determine the next course of action.

They express a hopeful vision that the 2025 General Elections will be remembered not for confusion or mistrust.

Instead, they wish the elections to be a time of renewal, unity, and national pride.

They affirm that the people’s voice must be heard, counted, and honored — without fear and without favor.

The CSOs end their statement by proclaiming that when democracy thrives, Malawi shines.

The letter is signed by several notable figures and groups, including Cde. Edwards Kambanje of the Concerned Citizens of Malawi, Evangelist Steve Chimwaza of Umodzi for Peace and Justice, and Joseph Peshi of the Economic Freedom Movement.

Other signatories include Prof. Kinka Makoloni, Jonathan Phiri, and Kingsley Mpaso from the Malawi Freedom Fighters.

The statement is also endorsed by organizations like Human Right Ambassadors, Center for Democracy Watch, and several other concerned groups.

Additionally, the statement is copied to various stakeholders.

These include the Malawi Human Rights Commission, all political parties, heads of diplomatic corps, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Homeland Security.

Other recipients include the UN Resident Coordinator, the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC), and the African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

The statement is also copied to the Judiciary, specifically the Chief Justice, and the Speaker of the National Assembly.

The Public Affairs Committee and all media houses have also been copied.

The CSOs have made it clear: the defense of democracy is non-negotiable.

Malawi’s future depends on transparent, accountable, and credible elections.

The nation watches with hope, concern, and determination.