By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, September 26, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has prompted journalists to avoid misinformation as it has the ability to confuse people during the general elections.

She made the remarks on Thursday during Annual Media and Access to Information Conference at Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in Lilongwe.

She said the conference is important as it will help to prepare for the 2025 general elections so there is need to discuss the free flow of information and to avoid misinformation which affects the process of elections.

“As MEC we faced much challenges in the pilot voter registration, whereby others were spreading information that registration was a rigging exercise. Misinformation confuses voters and undermines trust in the electoral process. It is our plea that all stakeholders should work together to create a conducive environment for free flow of information," she said.

She said the commission will continue working with the media in ensuring professional reporting saying the electoral body has so far trained 300 journalists on electoral reporting.

On her part, Commissioner of Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Teresa Ndanga urged the media to follow professionalism, accuracy and integrity when reporting to reflect the truth as this is a crucial period for the nation.

Ndanga said the political landscape can become volatile with misinformation, especially when money and other material things are involved during campaign period.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Digitalisation, Baldwin Chiyamwaka stated that the conference has come at a right time as the country is preparing for the 2025 general election.

Chiyamwaka added that the role of the media and the citizens right to access information in shaping the democratic process ahead cannot be understated.

“Access to information is crucial in the electoral process as it serves as the foundation for fair, transparent and credible electoral process. Each one of us has a role to play to ensure that we enhance electoral transparency and accountability, empower the citizens who are the voters, foster informed public debate and prevent the spread of misinformation,” he highlighted.

Chairperson for Media Council of Malawi (MCM) Dr. Jolly Ntaba, emphasised the need for promotion of legislation on access to information ahead of next year's elections.

Mtaba said that the media cannot effectively disseminate information, which is their critical role in democratic and electoral processes, if ATI is not well implemented and utilised.

The conference has brought together media stakeholders who are deliberating on the theme ‘Promoting free flow of information towards 2025 General Election’.