Malawi election officials refused to share voter lists with watchdog groups. The Electoral Commission told civil society groups they cannot check voter information before September elections. Four organizations wanted to study the voter register for mistakes and duplicate names. Officials said laws prevent them from giving the data to outside groups. The decision blocks independent checks on voting records.
Chisankho Watch asked for electronic copies of voter files on May 2nd. The group wanted to find problems like fake voters and missing names. Election workers said people can only look at voter lists at registration centers. They also mentioned a phone system that lets voters check their details. Critics say this answer does not help groups do proper research.
The coalition promised to keep findings private until sharing them with election officials first. Leaders wanted to work together to fix any voter roll problems. African countries like Ivory Coast let civic groups examine voter data to build trust. Malawi risks moving backward from democracy if it keeps blocking transparency efforts. The 2025 elections will test whether the country supports open government or closed systems.
Chisankho Watch asked for electronic copies of voter files on May 2nd. The group wanted to find problems like fake voters and missing names. Election workers said people can only look at voter lists at registration centers. They also mentioned a phone system that lets voters check their details. Critics say this answer does not help groups do proper research.
The coalition promised to keep findings private until sharing them with election officials first. Leaders wanted to work together to fix any voter roll problems. African countries like Ivory Coast let civic groups examine voter data to build trust. Malawi risks moving backward from democracy if it keeps blocking transparency efforts. The 2025 elections will test whether the country supports open government or closed systems.
