For taxpayer’s sake…..

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The more things change the more they remain the same, so goes the saying.

Malawi is likely to find itself in this merry-go-round as it heads to the 2025 General Elections, if the status quo remains the same.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), is registering voters for the forthcoming elections.

However, the opposition led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has already raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, especially registration.

Also, it questions MEC’s neutrality and its proposition to use new voting technology, fears the election management body has allayed.

                                                                             In this file photo, people cast their vote. 

What’s fascinating, however, is that the concerns being raised by the opposition now are almost similar to those raised during the disputed 2019 General Elections.

Then, the ruling party in government today, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) sat on the opposition benches in Parliament whereas the DPP was on the government side.

In November last year, MEC estimated that it would need K220 billion ($125 million) to conduct the elections.

So, with the opposition already pouring scorn on the electoral process, it’s highly likely that the election outcome will be challenged in court.

This means Malawian taxpayers will foot another bill should there be a need for another fresh election as was the case in 2020.

But should that be the worst scenario it will be the same as hammering the final nail on Malawi taxpayers.

Meanwhile, they are already struggling to eke out a living due to rising inflation, hunger and shortage of basic supplies.

Of course, no election is short of complaints, but the past mistakes should always give us lessons.

Here we are, likely going to face the same scenario yet we have the time to make things right.

Whether the opposition is just gaslighting Malawians to make us question MEC’s integrity, time will tell. 

What at stake, however, is the price Malawians will pay if the election is disputed.

If the opposition claims are true, those intentionally wanting to allegedly taint the electoral process won't pay for their mistakes.

Rather, it’s a common buckling under the weight of the economic heavy load.

Therefore, Malawians deserve the inalienable right to choose leaders of their choice in a process that is free, fair and credible.

Let those entrusted with the mandate to manage elections do it with integrity because the decisions they make are consequential.

So, for the taxpayer’s sake, do what’s right.

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