MEC Nixes Audit Letting Parties Fume

Malawi Electoral Commission officials turned down political parties seeking computer system checks before 2025 elections. Chairman Justice Annabel Mtalimanja wrote a three-page letter explaining why auditors cannot examine the Electoral Management System. She said the request looked more like detective work than normal computer safety reviews. The commission worried outside inspectors might damage security or weaken their control over election technology.

Political groups wanted independent experts checking voter registration computers and result transmission equipment. They feared the current system might have problems or security holes that could affect fair voting. Mtalimanja argued no evidence exists showing the system needs fixing or outside review. Commission staff already tested their computers and found everything working properly.

Opposition politicians criticized the rejection and accused election officials of hiding information from voters. They said the commission should be more open about how their technology works during important elections. Civil society groups asked both sides to talk and find better ways to check computer systems without causing security risks. The disagreement creates more tension as election day approaches and people demand trustworthy voting processes.