Analysis: Why the opposition is wrong to demand the MEC to halt voter registration - Malawi Nyasa Times

About four opposition political parties gathered for a press conference at Golden Peacock in Lilongwe yesterday, forcing the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to suspend its registration of voters citing low turnout.

The opposition claims that the low turnout for registration is mainly due to insufficient citizenship education and insufficient prior notice of registration.

This opinion examines the legal frameworks governing voter registration in Malawi, particularly in relation to the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Electoral Act (PPLGEA), to determine whether MEC should indeed suspend its voter registration activities.

Legal authority of MEC

MEC is mandated to conduct voter registration throughout the year leading up to elections, with a clear legal requirement to suspend registration only 60 days before election day. With elections scheduled for September next year, the registration process has ample time to continue until early July.

2. Argument of the opposition

Although the opposition’s concerns about low turnout are justified, their call for suspension does not comply with the legal framework. Rather than addressing the deeper issues, a suspension would potentially hinder those already involved in the registration process and reduce the overall likelihood of voter participation.

3. Collaborative solutions

Instead of seeking a halt, opposition parties should work with MEC to improve civic education efforts. This could include community outreach, workshops, and increased visibility of the registration process, which could increase voter turnout without disrupting the current registration timeline.

4. Current registration process

It has not been indicated that the ongoing registration procedure has legal flaws; rather, it faces public engagement challenges. Therefore, suspending the registration process would unfairly disadvantage those who have registered and hinder further efforts to encourage voter participation.

5. Updating the electoral register

MEC has the power to update the voters’ register if necessary. If there are specific concerns or suggestions for the community to improve the reach of registration, the opposition should explore legal options, such as seeking an injunction to impose increased registration efforts.

6. CONCLUSION

The opposition’s request to suspend the voter registration process lacks a legal basis and ignores the established operational timelines of the PPLGEA.

Rather than calling for a suspension, the focus should shift to working constructively with the MEC to promote citizenship education and encourage voter participation.

MEC is legally positioned to continue its registration efforts, and maximizing this period is essential to ensure broad voter inclusion.

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