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

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

The opposition claims that the low turnout for registration is mainly due to inadequate civic education and insufficient advance notice of the registration process.

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

1. Legal Authority of MEC

The MEC is tasked with conducting voter registration throughout the year leading up to the election, with an explicit legal requirement to suspend registration only 60 days before election day. Since the election is scheduled for September next year, there is enough time for the registration process to continue until early July.

2. The Opposition’s Argument

While the opposition’s concerns about low turnout are valid, the call for a suspension does not align with the legal framework. Rather than addressing the underlying issues, the suspension would potentially hinder people already in the registration process and reduce the overall opportunity for voter participation.

3. Collaborative Solutions

Opposition parties should collaborate with MEC to improve civic education efforts rather than trying to stall. This may include community outreach, workshops, and increased visibility of the registration process, which can increase voter turnout without disrupting the existing registration timeline.

4. Current Registration Process

The ongoing registration practice has not been cited as having legal flaws; Rather, it faces challenges regarding public participation. Therefore, suspending the registration process would unfairly penalize those who register and could disrupt further efforts to encourage voter turnout.

5. Updating Electoral Rolls

The MEC has the authority to update voter registration records when necessary. If there are specific community concerns or suggestions to improve registration services, the opposition should explore legal avenues, such as seeking a court order mandating improved registration efforts.

6. CONCLUSION

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

Rather than advocating a suspension, the focus should be on constructive engagement with the MEC to increase civic education and encourage voter participation.

MEC is legally in a position to continue registration efforts and maximizing this period is important to ensure broad voter turnout.

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