By Dean Chisambo
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has launched the Election Broadcasts Monitoring and Enforcement Committee (EBMCC) ahead of the country’s general elections slated for 16th September this year.
Speaking during the launch, MACRA’s Deputy Director of Broadcasting, Kelton Masangano, said the committee will be responsible for receiving complaints from political parties, electoral candidates, and voters regarding the conduct of broadcasters during the campaign period.
Masangano emphasized that broadcasters are expected to remain impartial, independent, and professional, ensuring they do not favor any political party or candidate.
He further warned that any deviation from the Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act will lead to action, stating that social media influencers who violate the Act will be summoned and penalized. Even individual writers on social media will face the law if they contravene the legislation.
Masangano noted that although the committee does not have fixed penalties for offenders, it will deliberate on each case and determine appropriate sanctions.
Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) Chairperson Ben Chakhame criticized Malawi’s tendency toward inaction, saying, “We are good at lip service. When something goes wrong, we simply issue statements instead of taking decisive action.”
Chakhame said the formation of the EBMCC was a positive step but urged it to move beyond rhetoric. “Our call as CMD is clear—we are tired of reading statements. What we want to see is real action,” he said.
He further stressed that enforcement should not be selective, adding that any media house violating broadcast regulations must face consequences regardless of its size or popularity.
On his part, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Director of Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, said MEC expects all stakeholders to take full responsibility for the success and operations of the committee.
He stated that MEC will rely on the EBMCC to resolve disputes and handle complaints that may arise from political parties or aspiring candidates during the campaign season.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) First Deputy Publicity Secretary, Kondi Msungama, welcomed the initiative, describing the meeting as an “eye-opener.” He said MCP is committed to ensuring that the electoral process is smooth, free, fair, and credible.
United Democratic Front (UDF) Secretary General, Jenena Lemani, also hailed the meeting as productive. She expressed concern over the growing influence of misinformation during campaign periods, particularly from social media, warning that such content can destabilize the country.
The EBMCC sensitization meeting brought together representatives from media houses, political parties, faith-based organizations, and MEC officials.
