Chisankho Watch challenges MEC to discipline Voter Registration Officers over handouts

Chisankho Watch has challenged Malawi Electoral Commission to discipline its employees who accepted handouts from politicians during third phase of voter registration

Presenting its findings of the phase chairperson of Chisankho Watch Bishop Gilford Matonga said they recorded 29 critical issues that hindered credibility of the voter registration.

Chisankho Watch has cited MCP politicians giving out handouts, intimidation, harassment of registration officials and continued coercion of voters among others

 

Matonga has appealed to office of Registrar of political parties to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to address voter bribery and undue coercion

 

Chisankho Watch also advised Malawi Electoral Commission to enhance training of security officers at resignation centres and national registration bureau to improve data synchronization

 

Commenting, Political scientist Victor Chipofya has requested government to take heed of Chisankho watch recently released report on third phase of voter registration exercise.

The report brings to lights anomalies in the phase which include harassment, intimidation and Malawi Congress party politicians dishing out of handouts to voters and registration staff in some centers.

According to Chifopya it is very unfortunate that although laws against the malpractice are in place no culprit has ever been taken to book.

He says such acts put the country’s democracy in jeopardy as people choose leaders under due influence.

Chipofya however casts doubt on government’s willingness to take action on the report considering that most of the accused are figures belonging to the ruling party.