Opposition Parties Ask MEC to Monitor MBC during Campaign

Opposition political parties in the country have pleaded with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to ensure that Malawi Broadcasting Cooperation (MBC) open up waves for all parties for May 21 tripartite elections.

The challenge came in as MBC is yet to open up for pre-recorded campaign messages as well as 30 minutes slots interviews with each of the eight contesting presidential candidates.

Following the development, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi chapter chairperson Teresa Ndanga has urged MEC to use its legal mandate to caution MBC when it notices that it is going off track.

“We are also monitoring to ensure that MBC keeps its word,” Ndanga said

Commenting on the matter Malawi Electoral Support Network (MESN) chairperson Steve Duwa said failure by state broadcaster to open up would hinder efforts to achieve free and fair elections in the country.

“MBC is not fulfilling its role to offer balanced news to all parties,” Duwa said.

MBC’s Managing Director Aubrey Sumbuleta said the broadcaster is working with MEC to ensure that all candidates are given equal opportunity on MBC radio stations and television to publicize their manifestos.

The opposition are accusing MBC of shunning their rallies ahead of May 21 polls.

The complaint was raised by the following political parties; United Transformation Movement (UTM), United Democratic Front (UDF) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

MBC has lost much audience because its credibility has been damaged following biased reporting.