What can we learn from the MEC voting testing exercise? Was it effective? What steps can be taken to improve the system?
On August 27, 2025, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) carried out a dry run of its election management results system at 73 constituency tally centers in 8 specifically chosen district councils throughout the country.
However, although the primary purpose of the exercise was to evaluate the effectiveness and dependability of the voting system, it has also brought to light numerous significant concerns that have the potential to compromise the integrity of the election.
Firstly, the voting testing exercise revealed persistent connectivity problems even at constituency tally centres in Blantyre and Lilongwe cities.
In the near future, the Malawian Government should contemplate investing in improved internet infrastructure.
Furthermore, In collaboration with other independent stakeholders, it is necessary for MEC to perform comprehensive testing and simulation of the network in different scenarios in order to pinpoint any vulnerabilities.
Secondly, there were delays in loading within the electoral system, particularly at Chiuzira Primary School in Lilongwe.
To circumvent this quandary, MEC is advised to review and optimize the software to improve loading times, including database queries and server response times.
Additionally, MEC can perform load testing exercise to simulate high traffic and identify bottlenecks in the system.
Furthermore, it is also recommended that server hardware be upgraded to handle increased loads during peak times of transmitting the results.
Alternatively, transmitting results over mobile network infrastructure can also be a viable option although it may raise some security glitches.
Thirdly, there are reports that some MEC Officers failed to login as operators and experienced difficulties in scanning documents.
It is recommended that MEC must provide comprehensive training for its officers on the system, including troubleshooting common issues.
By the same token, MEC must establish a dedicated technical support team to assist officers during voting and transmission processes.
It is vital that MEC must conduct the system usability testing to identify and rectify login issues and scanning difficulties before the election.
Lastly, it was also discovered that a ballot paper does not comfortably accommodate all 17 presidential candidates.
Due to the prevalence of illiteracy in the country, it is likely that a voter may unintentionally make a mark outside of the designated box, causing their vote to be deemed null and void.
Ironically, the MEC Chair, Annabel Mtalimanja, urged voters to trim their fingernails in order to prevent any ink from spilling over the box while voting.
Much as it may be too late to redesign the ballot paper so that it is large enough to accommodate all candidates clearly and legibly, MEC has the responsibility to implement a voter education campaign to familiarize voters with the ballot design and layout.
In conclusion, the exercise was moderately successful as it revealed significant deficiencies that must be resolved. The early detection of these problems is vital in preparation for the real election. This gives the MEC the opportunity to implement necessary changes and enhancements, resulting in a favorable outcome.
It is therefore envisaged that by implementing the suggested proposals, MEC can enhance the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process, ultimately fostering public confidence in the electoral system.
Additionally, continuous monitoring and feedback from stakeholders will also be essential in ensuring that the solutions are effective and sustainable.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author, Rick Dzida ([email protected]), and do not necessarily reflect those of Malawi24 or its editorial team.
