By Burnett Munthali
In what many view as a shocking betrayal of public trust, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has firmly refused to engage independent auditors, a decision that has sparked widespread concern about the integrity of the upcoming 2025 general elections. The refusal to involve independent auditors—whose role is critical in enhancing transparency and accountability—raises serious questions about the credibility of the electoral process.
Without independent oversight, there is a heightened risk of voter registration manipulation and potential electoral disputes, which could threaten the stability of Malawi’s democracy. Engaging independent auditors is not simply a bureaucratic requirement but a fundamental principle of good governance. It is a matter of national interest and a global best practice aimed at ensuring fair, credible elections. MEC’s deliberate avoidance of independent auditors compromises the integrity of the entire electoral process, creating a scenario where the results could be easily called into question.
Stakeholders, including opposition parties and civil society organizations, are demanding that MEC unconditionally involve independent auditors to instill public confidence in the electoral process. Failure to do so will render the elections—and their results—highly suspect, potentially plunging the country into political instability.
A key concern driving the call for independent ICT auditors is the questionable credibility of SmartMatic, the company tasked with managing the new voting technology, and the unsatisfactory performance of Electronic Management Devices (EMDs) during the pilot phase of the 2025 voter registration exercise. The failures observed during the pilot have raised red flags about the reliability of the technology and the systems in place to safeguard against voter fraud.
The demand for independent auditors, therefore, is non-negotiable. MEC must recognize the importance of public trust and transparency in electoral processes, particularly in a democracy where every vote counts. As the 2025 elections draw closer, the commission’s refusal to engage external auditors is seen as a move that could undermine the democratic principles that Malawians hold dear.
To protect the credibility of the elections, MEC must act swiftly and decisively by incorporating independent auditors into the electoral process. This is essential not only for the sake of transparency but also for maintaining the peace, stability, and democratic legitimacy of Malawi.
