PAC’s 6th All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference Kicks off in Blantyre

Representatives from various political parties, civil society organizations, diplomats, and other electoral stakeholders are attending a 2 day 6th All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference organized by the quasi religious body, the Public Affairs Committee being currently underway at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

The conference which was officially opened on Tuesday 20th May, 2025, is expected to wind up on Wednesday, saw two emotive issues, namely the economy and the use of Smartmatic machine by MEC dominating the discussion on the first day of this important conference.

During the conference several leaders from political parties and civil societies raised their concerns why MEC and the MCP are insisting on using the Smartmatic Machine for voting and vote counting among other elections sticky issues that Malawians are observing.

DPP National Director of Elections, Commissioner Dr Jean Mathanga stood up to point out some gray areas as to why MEC has decided to give a death ear to their call for consultation regarding the use of Smartmatic machine. “I was calling on MEC to call us for consultation on Transmission of results as provided for in the Electoral Act. We need timely consultation for timely feedback as well.” Mathanga said.

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, chairperson of the Public Affairs Committee, Monsignor Dr Patrick Thawale said the aim of this conference is to create a platform for all the concerned groups to deliberate on electoral issues that have shaped the public discourse since last year.

The 6th All Inclusive Stakeholders Conference has been themed, ‘Securing Consensus on Transparent and Accountable Electoral Governance through Dialogue.

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