The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Sunday received the final consignment of ballot papers for the country’s general elections scheduled for 16 September, marking a key milestone in the body’s preparations for polling day.
The delivery, which began on 1 September and concluded over the weekend, includes presidential, parliamentary and local government ballots.
MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja confirmed that the materials are being stored under 24-hour police guard at designated warehouses, with tamper-evident seals and a documented chain-of-custody to ensure integrity.
She revealed that distribution of the ballot papers to district and city commissioners’ offices would proceed in phases this week, with consignments escorted by police before final deployment to polling centres.
Political party representatives and accredited observers are expected to witness dispatch and receipt at district level to enhance transparency.
Mtalimanja said the commission was on schedule in terms of its preparations for holding a credible and peaceful election.
She urged political parties, observers and the public to follow official updates and support a transparent process as the country prepares for one of its most crucial elections in recent history.
More than 7.2 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots in the tripartite elections, which will determine the presidency, 229 parliamentary seats and 509 local government positions.
The vote will be conducted under new electoral boundaries and a 50-percent-plus-one rule for presidential candidates, introduced after the 2020 court-ordered re-run.
The upcoming elections pit incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera against former leaders Peter Mutharika and Joyce Banda, among 17 presidential contenders.
Key campaign issues include inflation, corruption and economic recovery following recent natural disasters and fuel shortages.
JN/APA