Chairperson for Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Dr Chifundo Kachale has said 2025 tripartite elections would heavily rely on District Commissioners (DCs) and Police for the elections to be credible.
The MEC Chairperson said this in Blantyre on Monday when the electoral body was briefing DCs, Chief Executive Officers and Officer In charge of Malawi Police Service all from southern region on their duties and obligations in relations to elections.
Kachale said it was important to meet such stakeholders due to their unique mandates at district level in as far as holding free, fair and credible elections are concerned.
“As we are approaching to hold general elections next year, there are some things that have changed in regard to elections laws as such we thought it wise that it is important to diffuse information and knowledge to stakeholders like these knowing their relevance in elections.
“The meeting is a platform for these stakeholders to reflect challenges and successes they encountered during previous elections so that together we can move forward since they are key partners which needs to be taken on board,” he pointed out.
Kachale said the meeting would outline responsibilities for each office invited and empower them with knowledge way ahead of the elections.
He added that “This is part of the next year elections preparations as a move to reshape electoral landscape of the country. I believe after this meeting all invited stakeholders will be able to discharge their work professionally.”
South East Region Police Commissioner, Chikondi Chingadza underscored the constitutional obligation of the Police to ensure that all citizens have equal access to and freely enjoy their democratic rights.
She said, “I commend MEC for the timing of this meeting. Although 2025 may seem distant today, considering the challenges faced in previous elections, we recognize that we have an enormous task ahead of us.
“Most importantly for us is to enforce laws and provide security during the coming elections. We will ensure that every right of a person is respected because we know that the Commission cannot effectively deliver a free and fair election if security is not part of its agenda and is not guaranteed.
Chief Executive Officer for Blantyre City Council, Dennis Chinseu said as Controlling Officers, their duty was to safeguard elections laws and facilitate smooth running of the elections.
In September 2025, Malawi will hold Tripartite Elections for the State President, Members of Parliament, and Ward Councillors.
