Malawi civil society organizations demand emergency parliamentary action to fix electoral legislation that threatens voter access. The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum and National Advocacy Platform warn that Section 74 of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act creates barriers for legitimate voters. This provision forces citizens to cast ballots only at their original registration locations.
The groups express alarm over the removal of Section 75(2), which previously permitted special voting arrangements for essential workers. Police officers on duty, electoral staff, accredited observers, and journalists face potential disenfranchisement under current rules. Coalition leaders estimate up to 50,000 eligible voters could lose their voting rights.
CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe argues the restriction violates constitutional guarantees of political participation. The coalition urges President Lazarus Chakwera to call an emergency legislative session through constitutional powers. Civil society groups frame the issue as a fundamental test of democratic principles before the 2025 elections.
The groups express alarm over the removal of Section 75(2), which previously permitted special voting arrangements for essential workers. Police officers on duty, electoral staff, accredited observers, and journalists face potential disenfranchisement under current rules. Coalition leaders estimate up to 50,000 eligible voters could lose their voting rights.
CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe argues the restriction violates constitutional guarantees of political participation. The coalition urges President Lazarus Chakwera to call an emergency legislative session through constitutional powers. Civil society groups frame the issue as a fundamental test of democratic principles before the 2025 elections.
