The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja says the commission will use both physical and electronic means to transmit results from the constituency and district tally centers to the national tally center for the September 2025 General Elections.
Mtalimanja clarified this to our journalist Chisomo Phiri in response to concerns raised by political party representatives about the use of Election Management Devices(EMD) for results management.
Mtalimanja
She emphasized that the MEC is yet to develop a module for results management using the devices and that stakeholders will be consulted once it is developed.
She said the move is part of the MEC’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Said Mtalimanja: “I do not have the context under which the comments were made by the opposition parties but our policy documents including the operational plan is clear that the transmission will be both physical and electronic.”
MEC has already launched its comprehensive voter education campaign and unveiled its theme song, “Voti Yanu,” composed by Afrobeat artist Piksy.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General, Peter Mukhito, today delivered the opening remarks at the party’s National Governing Council (NGC) training session, currently underway at Lotus Hotel in Blantyre.
In his address, Mukhito welcomed all attendees, acknowledging the significance of the training for the party’s leadership as it prepares for the upcoming 2025 general elections. He emphasized that the NGC members are the backbone of the party, and their commitment to the party’s success is critical as they strategize for the future.
Mukhito
Mukhito encouraged the party’s leadership to embrace the spirit of unity and focus on the collective goal of reclaiming power in the next elections. He urged the newly elected leaders to take full responsibility for their roles and to approach their duties with integrity and selflessness, ensuring that they put the interests of the party and the people of Malawi first.
“The future of this party lies in your hands,” Mukhito stated. “This training is not just about preparing for the elections; it’s about preparing to serve the people of Malawi with honor and dedication.”
Mukhito further urged the members to be strategic in their engagement with the electorate, noting that effective communication and outreach are essential in building trust and support at all levels. He emphasized that the DPP must be ready to offer viable solutions to the country’s challenges, rather than merely criticizing the current government.
“As a party, we must be proactive in presenting our vision for a better Malawi, and that vision must resonate with the needs of the people,” Mukhito added.
The DPP Secretary General also acknowledged the challenges the party has faced in recent years, but expressed confidence that with proper training, unity, and determination, the party would regain its footing and emerge stronger for the next electoral battle.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter for the DPP,” Mukhito concluded. “Together, we will work hard to ensure that our party is not only prepared for the next election but is also poised to lead Malawi into a prosperous future.”
The training session, which includes various workshops and presentations, is set to continue throughout the day, with DPP leadership members being equipped with the necessary tools to mobilize support, strengthen party structures, and chart the course for electoral success in 2025.
Mukhito’s remarks highlighted the party’s commitment to reform, renewal, and readiness, setting the stage for a focused and strategic approach in the lead-up to next year’s elections.
The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has expressed concern over remarks made by some political party and Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders regarding the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) management of voter registration ahead of next year’s general elections.
Some leaders have warned that Malawi could plunge into war next year if the MEC proceeds with alleged election rigging plans.
Robert Mkwezalamba
Meanwhile in a statement,the HRCC Board Chairperson, Robert Mkwezalamba, has urged these leaders to refrain from making statements that raise unnecessary tension and seek to incite violence and discontent among Malawians.
“MEC should continue to transparently share all matters concerning the elections to ensure the public and genuine stakeholders have access to accurate information, enabling them to make informed choices in the forthcoming polls,” says Mkwezalamba.
The opposition political party leaders and other CSOs are demanding that MEC disengage from the Election Management Devices (EMD) supplied by Smartmatic and calling for the resignation of the commission’s Chairperson and Chief Elections Officer, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and Andrew Mpesi, respectively.
Research conducted by the University of Malawi (UNIMA) and the University of Stirling in Scotland has uncovered an increase in alcohol consumption by youth and females across Africa.
Presenting the research findings titled “Regulating alcohol packaging and supply to protect health in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from policy systems in Malawi and Uganda (RAPSSA)” on Thursday in Lilongwe, lead researcher Dr. Isabelle Uny shed light on the increased alcohol consumption rates.
“The alcohol industry in Africa is using tactics to promote products like beer in larger containers, fruit-flavored beverages to attract this demographic. Alcohol consumption is a leading risk factor for death in this region,” she stated.
In his presentation on the National Alcohol Policy, Assistant Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health Michael Udedi highlighted the need to enforce restrictions on the promotion, sponsorship, advertising, and importation of alcohol in the country through the revision of the National Alcohol Policy.
“The policy intends to curb harmful consumption of alcohol; therefore, there is a need for the development of systems that monitor the marketing of alcoholic products in the country.”he said.
Chairperson of the parliament health committee Dr. Mathews Ngwale encouraged Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) and other stakeholders to bring the issue into focus to be discussed in Parliament.
“We as parliamentarians do not initiate laws or issues ourselves as we are not lawmakers but rather mere representatives of the people from our societies; we therefore appeal to all stakeholders, be they individuals or organizations, to bring their findings so we amend the policy if there is a need,” said Ngwale.
The research was presented in the presence of stakeholders from the Southern Africa alcohol policy alliance, the Malawi Chapter, Danish church aid, Parliamentarians, ministries of health and homeland security, and the trade industry.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Football Club has terminated the contract of their head coach, Meck Mwase, following an absence from duties for several days without notifying the team management.
In a press statement dated November 15, 2024, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers reveals that Mwase has been absent from his duties since November 4, 2024, and has been missing from team trainings since the team lost to Silver Strikers in the Airtel Top 8 semi-finals.
Meke Mwase
Furthermore, the club says there has been no response from him despite multiple efforts to contact him.
The team has however,assured fans that it is implementing arrangements to have an interim coach in order to ensure the club’s continuity and maintain its competitive edge.
“We extend our gratitude to Mr. Meck Mwase for his contributions during his tenure and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” states the press statement.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers is currently in second place in the TNM Super League with 50 points after playing 25 games.
