The Silence Surrounding Malawi’s Arrested Presiding Officers — A Threat to Transparency

The revelation that several Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) presiding officers were arrested for allegedly attempting to rig the September 16 elections has left citizens asking one critical question: why have their names never been revealed?

In a democracy, transparency is not a luxury — it is the lifeblood of trust. When individuals entrusted with managing an election are accused of undermining that very process, the public deserves full disclosure.

The refusal or delay by authorities to release the names of the suspects only fuels speculation, conspiracy theories, and suspicion toward both MEC and law enforcement agencies.

If indeed arrests were made, as reported, the public has a legitimate right to know who these individuals are, what roles they played, and which constituencies they were assigned to.

Concealing such details sends the wrong message — that some people are “too connected” to be publicly named or that political interests are at play behind the scenes.

MEC has often spoken about its commitment to credibility and openness. Yet, silence in moments that demand accountability weakens that claim. Transparency does not jeopardize investigations — it strengthens them by allowing public scrutiny to reinforce justice. In contrast, secrecy erodes confidence and leaves voters wondering whether the very system meant to protect their voice is compromised.

This case is more than just about a few rogue officers; it is about the integrity of Malawi’s democratic institutions. If names are withheld for political convenience or fear of backlash, then democracy itself becomes the casualty. The public is not asking for gossip — they are demanding accountability.

The Malawi Electoral Commission and the police owe Malawians an explanation. Either the arrests were genuine, in which case names should be disclosed, or the story was exaggerated — in which case, clarity is equally essential. In matters of elections, truth delayed is trust denied.