MEC CEO Highlights Importance of Electoral Integrity at National Conference

During the recently concluded Access to Information National Conference, Mr. Andrew Mpesi, the Chief Elections Officer of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), delivered a compelling presentation on the theme, “The Principles and Values of Electoral Integrity: The Role of EMBs in Ensuring Citizens’ Right to Access Electoral Information and Voter Education.”

The conference gathered stakeholders from various sectors including the Malawi Electoral Commission, the media, civil society, government departments and parastatals, to discuss the essential role of electoral integrity in fostering a healthy democracy.

In his presentation, Mr Mpesi underscored that electoral integrity is the cornerstone of democracy, asserting that it fosters public trust in the electoral process. He elaborated on how the MEC, as the country’s Election Management Body (EMB), is dedicated to ensuring that elections are free, fair, transparent, and inclusive.

“For elections to possess integrity, they must adhere to core democratic principles and values, including transparency, impartiality, inclusiveness, accountability, and respect for human rights,” he stated.

The concept of electoral integrity, as explained by Mr Mpesi, is fundamentally about ensuring that elections are conducted without manipulation or fraud. He cited the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy, and Security, which defines electoral integrity as an election that adheres to universal suffrage and political equality, reflecting international standards and agreements. This framework emphasizes the importance of transparent and accountable electoral processes.

Mr Mpesi outlined several key principles that underpin electoral integrity, emphasizing that elections must be open to observation by various stakeholders to ensure public trust and scrutiny.

He explained that the electoral process should be accessible to all eligible voters, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The EMB must operate without bias, ensuring fairness for all candidates and parties while also holding electoral actors accountable for their actions throughout the electoral process.

The MEC CEO highlighted that elections must adhere to both national and international laws, ensuring fairness and transparency, and emphasized that the electoral process must respect citizens’ fundamental rights, including the right to vote and participate in governance.

Mr Mpesi highlighted that one of the primary responsibilities of the MEC is to oversee all electoral processes, from voter registration to the declaration of results. He emphasized that the Commission provides critical information regarding boundary demarcation, voter registration processes, polling locations, and election results, thereby fostering transparency.

The MEC places great importance on voter education to ensure that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities. This includes programs that target marginalized groups and educate voters about the implications of their electoral choices.

Mr Mpesi also stated that the MEC was committed to ensuring that the electoral process is inclusive, making special provisions for marginalized groups to participate fully. In the event of disputes or complaints related to the electoral process, the MEC plays a crucial role in addressing grievances and maintaining fairness and integrity.

Despite the progress made, Mr Mpesi acknowledged several challenges, including limited resources, geographical barriers, low literacy rates, and the rise of misinformation. To address these issues, the MEC collaborates with civil society organizations and tailored voter education programs to meet the diverse needs of the population.

In his remarks, the Secretary for Information and Digitalisation, Mr. Baldwin Samuel Chiyamwaka, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing access to public information as Malawi prepares for the upcoming 2025 General Elections.

Mr. Chiyamwaka expressed gratitude to the Malawi Human Rights Commission and the Media Council of Malawi for organizing the conference, emphasizing the crucial role of transparency in governance.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Promoting Free Flow of Information towards the 2025 General Elections,” was particularly relevant as the nation gears up for a pivotal moment in its democratic journey.

“It is vital that the free flow of information is not only protected but enhanced, to ensure that every citizen is equipped with the knowledge they need to participate fully and meaningfully in our democracy,” he stated.

The conference coincided with the International Day for Universal Access to Information, which recognizes the fundamental human right to access public information.

Mr. Chiyamwaka highlighted the importance of this day, noting that access to information is essential for fair and transparent electoral processes. He urged all stakeholders, including the media, to actively engage in promoting accurate and truthful information to combat misinformation as the election approaches.