Electoral stakeholders have expressed their commitment to achieving a free and fair 2025 general election.
The Malawi Electoral Commission is currently holding a series of meetings with various stakeholders to, among other things, inform them of the changes in duties and responsibilities in the management of elections due to recent electoral reforms.
In an interview with MIJ Online, Commissioner Anthony Mukumbwa noted that it is only after various stakeholders familiarize themselves with the changes in the new laws that they can effectively discharge their electoral duties, leading to a free and fair election.
“There are a number of changes due to electoral reforms and one among them is that the Officer in Charge of a particular police will be personally held responsible of any mishaps that are a result of him or her failing to do their job right. That has not been the case in the past because the blame has always been mounted on the institution of police instead of the person responsible,” observed Mukumbwa.
According to Mukumbwa, the sensitivity surrounding election management requires that all players be aware of their duties and responsibilities to ensure the country holds a free, fair, and credible election.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police for the north, Richard Luhanga, said that a free and fair election is possible if all electoral stakeholders play their rightful roles, pledging the police’s commitment to providing necessary support as the country prepares for the 2025 general election.