By Ernest Mfunya

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has commended the Malawi Police Service (MPS) for contributing to a peaceful Local Government by-elections in Mwasa ward in Mangochi North East and Chilaweni ward in Blantyre Rural East constituencies.

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chief Elections Officer, Andrew Mpesi, expressed appreciation during the July 23, 2024 by-election review meeting held on Saturday at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi District where MEC and elections stakeholders reflected on challenges and successes registered in the electoral process.

Mpesi said that the polices visibility throughout, professionalism and diligences displayed during the by-elections also contributed to peace and credibility in line with MECs anticipation, adding that collaboration between MEC and MPS during the Local Government by-elections testified that the MPS continues to play a crucial role in electoral system.

“This collaboration demonstrates the importance of law enforcement in facilitating democratic processes and maintaining social order. This is something that we really have to appreciate because it was professional,” he added.

The Chief Elections Officer said that the recent by elections provided insights of the current state of the electoral security framework because this tested MEC’s strategies identify gaps and explored areas for improvement as Malawi draws closer to 2025 general elections.

He therefore called for continued collaboration between MEC and MPS, saying success of the 2025 General Elections depends on the partnership of the two institutions and other stakeholders including the media, civil society organizations and political parties.

In her remarks, Inspector General of Police, Merlyne Yolamu, said that the police played an obligatory role to ensure that people in Mwasa and Chilaweni wards were accorded their rights to vote for their councilors in peaceful elections.

She also observed that the success of the by-elections was as a result of the visibility coupled with professionalism of the men and women in uniform.

“Planning and execution of our security strategies allowed voters to exercise their constitution rights in a safe and secure environment. Over 30 police officers were deployed across all polling stations and I am proud that their conduct was exemplary reflecting high standards of professionalism,

Prior to the elections Malawi Police Service undertook comprehensive risks assessment to identify potential hotspot and challenges that could arise during election period. Intelligence Unit worked tirelessly to monitor and mitigate any threats that could disrupt the electoral process,” she said.

Yolamu therefore called for intensified community engagement to foster trust and cooperation between the police and the general public, continuous training of police officers to adapt nature of security threats, more community awareness on new electoral laws among others in preparation for future elections.

MEC conducted by-elections in Mwasa and Chilaweni wards on July 23 2024 following death of councilors Edna Yusuf Jose and Carlo Mdala respectively.