By Burnett Munthali
A diverse group of prominent individuals from various sectors have gathered in the Soche 1 conference room at Mount Soche Hotel in the city of Blantyre.
The meeting is part of an ongoing conference organized by the Public Affairs Committee (PAC), which has drawn wide participation.
Present in the room are leaders of various political parties, government ministers, heads of organizations, religious leaders, security officials, and other stakeholders.

The expressions on the delegates’ faces reflect deep interest and seriousness, as the conference is addressing several crucial issues, particularly those related to elections.
One of the key topics being discussed is the controversial issue surrounding ‘Smartmatic,’ the technology firm linked to election management systems.
There is heightened curiosity and anticipation over how the Smartmatic matter will unfold during the discussions.
Officials from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) are also present in the room to provide detailed explanations regarding the company and its potential role in future elections.
As the MEC officials speak, political party representatives, civil society members, and other participants are actively asking questions to seek clarity and express their concerns.
The conference is proving to be an important platform for dialogue, transparency, and stakeholder engagement on matters affecting Malawi’s democratic processes.