By Chisomo Phiri

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has  called for the postponement of the second phase of voter registration for the September 16, 2025, elections.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director(ED) Sylvester Namiwa, the organization says it is concerned about the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) conduct and the use of Electronic Management Devices (EMDs) in the registration process.

Reads the statement in part:”CDEDI is demanding the termination of the Smartmatic contract, resignation of MEC officials, and manual transmission of electoral results.”

The organization has threatened to mobilize Malawians to hold vigils at MEC offices if their demands are not met.

CDEDI says it will not stand by and watch as the electoral process is compromised.

Adds the the statement:” CDEDI is also calling for the resignation of MEC Chairperson, Justice Anabell Mtalimanja, and Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Andrew Mpesi.”

The organization also demands that the electoral body procure the services of an independent external auditor to investigate the matter.

CDEDI is a governance watchdog that has been critical of the MEC’s handling of the electoral process.

The organization has been advocating for free and fair elections in Malawi.

The MEC has been under pressure to ensure that the electoral process is credible and transparent.

The use of EMDs has been a contentious issue, with some stakeholders expressing concerns about their reliability and security.

The call by CDEDI to postpone the second phase of voter registration has raised concerns about the potential disruption of the electoral process.

The organization’s demands have sparked a debate about the role of the MEC and the use of technology in elections.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the MEC will respond to CDEDI’s demands.