The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has today begun a three-day exercise of dispatching ballot papers for the September 16 general elections, starting with 60 constituencies.

Speaking at the MEC warehouse at Kamuzu International Airport, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to impartiality and transparency in the electoral process.

“We are conducting this exercise under strict security to ensure the integrity of the ballot papers,” said Mtalimanja. “Our open and transparent handling of the process is aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the elections.”

She further explained that as an added safeguard, the ballot papers will remain locked inside the delivery vehicles until they are transferred to polling stations.

“This arrangement is part of our security protocol to prevent any tampering and to guarantee that ballot papers are delivered intact,” she said.

Party representatives present at the dispatch welcomed MEC’s approach.

UTM national elections officer Bright Kawaga said the Commission had shown consistency in its commitment to fairness.

“We are satisfied with the way MEC is handling this exercise. Their transparency gives us confidence that the elections will be credible,” he said.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ICT expert Macford Somanje also expressed trust in the Commission’s conduct.

“We believe MEC will maintain this transparent approach right through to polling day. This is critical in building trust among all stakeholders,” Somanje said.

The distribution exercise will continue until September 11, with priority given in the first days to remote and hard-to-reach areas to ensure timely delivery.