By Mercy Matonga:
Some members of the Election Broadcast Monitoring and Complaints Committee (EBMCC) have expressed scepticism over the effectiveness of current electoral broadcasting regulations, citing the lack of penalties for non-compliance as a major concern.
Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) Vice Chairperson Ben Chakhame made the observation in Lilongwe yesterday during the launch of the Election Broadcast Monitoring and Complaints Committee (EBMCC).
The committee is premised on strengthening collaboration between broadcasters and political stakeholders.
“We are happy that we have this committee but, sometimes, all we see are statements of condemnation and no other action, or sometimes action is taken only on some individuals or institutions, which is also not fair,” Chakhame said.
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He further said CMD would give the committee a chance of two weeks to observe how it will perform, after the centre would provide feedback.
On his part, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Deputy Director for Broadcasting Kelton Masangano said Macra would use provisions of the Cyber Security Act to deal with anyone who writes misleading information or anything that can affect the electoral process.
“The committee is mandated to look into every complaint it receives and investigate [it]. We will also work with police, who will do their work accordingly and in line with findings of the committee,” Masangano said.
He urged media houses and political players to prioritise peace, accuracy and ethical standards when executing their work.
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On his part, Malawi Electoral Commission Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the commission would deal with any election stakeholder who violates the code of conduct.
“This time, we are using the code of conduct. We are, first, going to warn those who break the regulations and if it is participants and [they are] still not listening, we can even pull them out of the race,” Mwafulirwa said.
Mec is expected to launch the official campaign period on Monday, ahead of the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
