Four opposition Political Parties have warned to hold peaceful demonstrations in protest against the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
Speaking during the Press Conference on behalf of all the concerned Party’s, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General Shadreck Namalomba raised a number of concerns on MEC’s decisions ahead of next year’s tripartite elections.
Among the concerns, Namalomba said opposition is said not convinced with MEC’s choice of Smartmatic company as the supplier suppler of Electoral Management Devices.
“The Smartmatic has been involved in electoral malpractices in Venezuela, Philippines and Kenya, so we don’t want them” he said
However, Namalomba said the opposition wants MEC to maintain the 2019, 2020 software which was developed at zero cost.
The Opposition has also demanded the firing and resignation of to MEC top officials, Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and CEO Andrew Mpesi for their affiliations to the rulling Malawi Congress Party.
Furthermore, the opposition has questioned the inflating figures posted by National Registration Bureau (NRB) in the Central Region, labeling them as ‘fake’.
According to Namalomba, the opposition wants their demands be addressed before the commencement of voter registration, failure which, national wide demonstrations will be organized.
“If our concerns are not resolved, we will hold peaceful demonstrations. We will shut down this country” warned Namalomba
Among other top officials from the opposition side present, there was UTM SG Patricia Kaliati, DPP Vice President for the Eastern Region Bright Msaka and AFORD Vice President Timothy Mtambo.
