Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Anabel Mtalimanja blocks outside experts from checking voting computers. She claims security reasons but gives no details about these dangers. The commission refuses to let civil society groups and opposition parties examine the Smartmatic system. This decision breaks with past practices that helped build trust after the 2019 election problems. Democracy requires open elections that everyone can verify.
Mtalimanja worked as a judge before taking this job. Judges must prove their claims with solid evidence rather than vague statements. Her predecessor Justice Chifundo Kachale allowed independent reviews of election technology. That openness helped restore public confidence after disputed results several years ago. The current approach moves away from transparency that once strengthened electoral credibility.
Opposition parties need access to voting systems because they participate directly during elections. Civil society groups and reporters also deserve to examine these processes on behalf of citizens. The commission serves Malawians rather than software companies or secret agreements. Blocking independent verification creates suspicion about what officials might hide from public view.
Mtalimanja worked as a judge before taking this job. Judges must prove their claims with solid evidence rather than vague statements. Her predecessor Justice Chifundo Kachale allowed independent reviews of election technology. That openness helped restore public confidence after disputed results several years ago. The current approach moves away from transparency that once strengthened electoral credibility.
Opposition parties need access to voting systems because they participate directly during elections. Civil society groups and reporters also deserve to examine these processes on behalf of citizens. The commission serves Malawians rather than software companies or secret agreements. Blocking independent verification creates suspicion about what officials might hide from public view.
