MEC’s laxity on voter register undermines credibility of 2025 elections
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) must be held accountable for its failure to safeguard the integrity of the voter register ahead of the 2025 elections.
The recent admission by MEC commissioners that over 14,000 people registered more than once is not only alarming it is a direct violation of Malawi’s electoral laws and a serious threat to the credibility of the upcoming polls.
It is unacceptable that MEC, the very institution mandated to deliver free, fair, and credible elections, can so casually admit to this level of malpractice and then shrug off responsibility.
Claiming that “there’s nothing MEC can do” about illegal double registration is a gross dereliction of duty.
If MEC cannot enforce electoral laws or ensure the integrity of the voters’ roll, then it is failing in its most fundamental role.
Even more concerning is MEC’s refusal to allow an independent audit of the voter register. In a democratic society, transparency is not optional it is essential.
By resisting calls from opposition parties and civil society for an audit, MEC is not only fueling mistrust but also reinforcing the perception that it is shielding irregularities, possibly for political convenience.
Moreover, shifting blame to the police is a weak excuse. While MEC may not have the power to arrest, it does have the authority and the responsibility to refer such cases to law enforcement, recommend legal action, and, more importantly, clean the register.
Claiming the issue is beyond MEC’s control is a dangerous abdication of responsibility.
Malawi’s democracy depends on trust in its institutions. If MEC cannot guarantee a clean voter register, then how can it guarantee credible results?
It is imperative that MEC urgently reconsiders its position, opens the register to an independent audit, and demonstrates its commitment to electoral integrity not just in words, but in decisive action.
Anything less is a betrayal of public trust and a threat to Malawi’s democracy.
