By Ebi Kesiena
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is set to revolutionize the country’s electoral process by adopting new technology ahead of the 2025 general elections.
In a significant move, the MEC has integrated Electoral Management Devices (EMDs) into its operations, aiming to streamline and enhance the efficiency of electoral activities.
According to Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the MEC spokesperson, the commission has secured 6,500 EMDs from Smartmatic International Holding B. V., a Netherlands-based technology company.
These devices are designed to replace the previously used Biometric Voter Registration system, which was employed during the 2019 general elections and the 2020 presidential election re-run.
The newly introduced EMDs will play a crucial role in the upcoming elections, facilitating voter registration, managing voter transfers, and ensuring accurate inspection of the voters’ register. This initiative is part of MEC’s broader strategy to improve the transparency and reliability of the electoral process as the country prepares for the general elections scheduled for September 2025.
Mwafulirwa emphasized that the adoption of EMDs reflects the commission’s commitment to leveraging technology to address challenges encountered in previous elections and to foster greater public confidence in the electoral system.
The MEC however believes that these advancements will contribute to a more efficient, secure, and credible electoral process in Malawi.
