High Court Dismisses DPP, UTM Bid to Audit MEC System
Published on September 12, 2025 at 9:28 AM by Edgar Naitha
High Court Judge Chimbizgani Kacheche has dismissed the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Transformation Movement (UTM), and five others’ bid to audit the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) system ahead of the General Election.
The judge also upheld MEC’s decision to utilize biometric technology in the forthcoming polls.
The case was brought forth by the DPP, UTM, and other parties who sought a judicial review of MEC’s decision to reject their proposal for an independent audit of the Election Management System (EMS).
They also challenged the use of electronic management devices for voter identification and electronic transmission of results.
MEC defended its hybrid approach, which combines biometric verification with a printed register and electronic transmission of results with manual backups.
This system, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda argued, ensures redundancy and multi-tier verification.
The AG described the DPP’s audit proposal as “overbroad, unscoped, and reckless,” warning it would amount to “sanctioned hacking” and compromise the system’s integrity.
Nyirenda emphasized that MEC has taken lawful transparency measures, including sharing the voters’ register, permitting inspections, and hosting stakeholder demonstratio.
The ruling means that MEC will proceed with its planned electoral process, using biometric technology for voter verification.
