By Mercy Matonga:
The Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) has said it welcomes public scrutiny.
Mec Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said this Thursday in response to civil society organisations’ call for increased transparency at the electoral body.
Last year, Mec rejected opposition parties and civil society organisations’ requests to have independent ICT auditors to monitor election management systems.
But Mwafulirwa said yesterday that they remained open to engagement on election issues.
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Mwafulirwa was responding to the decision of Citizens for Credible Elections (CfCE) to hold peaceful protests aimed at ensuring credibility and trust between voters and Mec.
“The commission respects the right of all Malawians to express their views and to assemble peacefully, as guaranteed under the Constitution.
“As a public institution, the commission remains open to scrutiny and constructive criticism, and we continue to welcome dialogue with all electoral stakeholders,” Mwafulirwa said.
CfCE announced plans to hold peaceful protests in a statement.
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CfCE leader Sylvester Namiwa told journalists, during a press briefing held in Lilongwe yesterday, that demonstrations they have planned are meant to promote transparency and fair dealing at Mec.
Recently, Mec Chairperson, Judge Annabel Mtalimanja, said Mec had no plans to have independent ICT auditors due to security reasons.
