Dissemination of fake news not only misleads the public but also undermines confidence of electoral process—MEC

*  As MEC disputes as fake report of chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja resigning ahead of the September 16 * The chairperson remains fully committed to her role and continues to discharge her duties in line with her constitutional mandate By Duncan Mlanjira Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is imploring on Malawians not to disseminate fake news on social media of September 13 general elections process saying, this “not only misleads the public but also undermines confidence of electoral process and…

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Political parties urged to promote tolerance ahead of September elections

* It is possible to conduct political campaigns without violence — leaders should strive to promote coexistence with members of different political parties * As the media are urged to counteract disinformation by disseminating information that is true and factual and to not propagate malice amongst electoral players By Augustus Nkhwazi & George Bulombola, MANA Police in the Northern Region have called upon political party directors of youth to promote tolerance ahead of the September 16 general elections —…

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MEC hosting SADC’s Electoral Commissions Forum for chief electoral officers and executive committee meetings in Lilongwe from tomorrow June 1-4

* Hosting these important meetings reflects our commitment not only to our national mandate, but also to regional cooperation in strengthening democratic electoral processes * These engagements provide valuable space for sharing lessons, addressing common challenges, and advancing electoral professionalism * The meeting shall give a platform to member commissions conducting elections in 2025, Malawi, Seychelles, Tanzania and Zanzibar, to make presentations on their state of preparedness By Duncan Mlanjira The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will from tomorrow (June…

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Malawians believe Constituency Development Fund benefits politicians most and should be managed by local committees—AfroBarometer

* One characteristic of the CDF is that MPs have typically exerted strong influence on how the monies are spent * Leading some analysts to argue that the CDF benefits MPs more than it does their constituents By Duncan Mlanjira A survey by AfroBarometer — following the, in a landmark judgement on May 26 by the Constitutional Court declared unconstitutional the current arrangement of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), specifically the involvement of Members of Parliament (MPs) and the…

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Parliament to be dissolved on July 23 after roll out of official election campaign period from July 14

* The 50+1% to take effect for the September 16, 2025 Presidential Election of the valid votes cast through direct, universal and equal suffrage * Where such majority is not obtained by any candidate in the first poll, a second poll must be held within 60 days after the declaration of the result * In which the candidates who obtained the highest votes cast in the first poll shall be the only candidates By Duncan Mlanjira Following the re-run…

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Some politicians still express skepticism about MEC’s technological electoral management devices despite exhaustive explanations of its efficiency

MEC chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja was on national broadcaster MBC explaining the effectiveness of the EMDs * Several experts of repute have constantly defended MEC over the EMDs, but some of the delegates — even after MEC meticulously explained the devices’ reliability and transparency — were skeptical * The transition from bulky biometric voter registration kits (BVRKs) to more efficient hand-held EMDs was informed by comparative learning visits to South Africa and Zambia * And consultations particularly with the…

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Police IG “candidly acknowledges” presence of ‘invisible actors’ who influence violence from behind the scenes using youths

* As she reiterates the police’s commitment to neutralise such influences where possible ahead of September 16 General Elections * Establishes an Electoral Security that includes MEC and other security institutions — MDF, Malawi Prison Service and Immigration Department By Duncan Mlanjira In its summary of the 6th All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference convened by the quasi-religious group, Public Affairs Committee (PAC) on May 20-21 at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre, the Inspector General of the Malawi Police Services (MPS), Merlyne…

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Contrasting stories of two African women Presidents: Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and Namibia’s Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

* The two African female presidents have inherited challenges arising from independence gaining political parties that now deems power as an entitlement or a reward for securing independence rather than to be earned from having an impact in their countries Both presidents are facing a popular resistance to the continuity of their regimes from the younger generation that feels alienated, and the two presidents have approached the challenges differently By Rutashubanyuma Nestory, Tanzania Digest Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan…

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ACB, NICE engage anti-corruption champion leaders on general elections preparations

* To educate voters to resist receiving handouts from politicians vying for various elective positions * Also encouraged them to mobilise communities to attend political meetings held by various parties, that would enable them to make informed decisions * Let the electorate refrain from receiving all forms of bribery and hand-outs which might have regretable consequences By Alice Ndunya, MANA The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in partnership with the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust engaged anti-corruption champion leaders…

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PAC conference delegates aspire for credible and violence-free elections

* Let electoral stakeholders discharge their responsibilities to the beloved Malawi. Let us take it a priority to be good Malawians * As MEC assures delegates of credible elections amidst delegates’ fears of electoral maladministration By Evance Chisiano, MANA Delegates at the two-day Public Affairs Committee (PAC) 6th All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference in Blantyre concluded the indaba with hopes for free, credible, peaceful and well-resourced elections — placing their trust in the Malawi Electoral Commission, Malawi Police Service, Ministry of…

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