By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s Electoral Commission (MEC) has come beneath scrutiny following allegations of underage voter registration at Kawangi Registration Center in Dowa. Efforts to acquire an official response from the fee have been met with silence, elevating issues about transparency and accountability within the ongoing voter registration train.

An unique interview request was despatched to Mr. Richard Mveriwa, MEC’s Communications Officer, on Monday, November 25, 2024. Despite assurances that the questionnaire had been acquired, no response was offered as of the time of publication.

Efforts to observe up with Mr. Sangwani Mwafulirwa, MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, yielded little progress. Mwafulirwa redirected inquiries to Mr. Mveriwa, stating, “Check with him.” This lack of engagement from the fee leaves essential questions unanswered concerning the integrity of the voter registration course of.

Key questions for MEC

The interview aimed to handle a number of urgent issues, together with:

1) How does MEC guarantee solely eligible residents are registered, notably these aged 18 and above?

2) What steps are being taken to research allegations of underage voter registration in Dowa?

3) What measures are in place to confirm the authenticity of National IDs, that are reportedly being misused to register minors?

4) How is MEC addressing public issues concerning the credibility of the voter registration course of?

5) MEC take into account stricter strategies like biometric verification to stop comparable irregularities?

The allegations in Dowa have sparked widespread concern amongst civil society organizations and the media, who’re calling for instant motion to protect the credibility of the 2025 elections. The silence from MEC, regardless of repeated makes an attempt for clarification, has solely amplified public skepticism.

The Malawi Electoral Commission is tasked with upholding the nation’s democratic rules by guaranteeing a clear and credible electoral course of. Allegations of irregularities, equivalent to underage voter registration, straight problem this mandate.

As the voter registration course of continues, MEC should take proactive steps to handle these issues and restore public confidence. Failure to have interaction with stakeholders, together with the media, might erode belief within the fee and the broader electoral course of.

The Maravi Post will proceed to observe this story carefully and supply updates as they develop into out there.

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