THE Malawi Election Information Centre (MEIC) team completed its series of media briefings in Mzuzu on March 31. This was the third time MEIC was interacting with Malawian journalists following Blantyre and Lilongwe briefings earlier in the month.

MEIC Project Manager: Media & Publicity, Levi Kabwato, being interviewed by the journalists in Mzuzu.

MEIC has been sensitising journalists about its project, showing what systems have been put in place in order to enhance the electoral process in Malawi under the banner of the Election Situation Room (ESR).

The primary aim of MEIC is to use multi-stakeholder collaboration as a way of enhancing the holding of free, fair and credible elections in Malawi. This means that the ESR will provide a platform where Civil Society Organisations come together to positively contribute on elections observations, monitoring rapid response and proactive advocacy.

Speaking at the end of the media briefings series, MEIC Project Manager: Media & Publicity, Levi Kabwato said engagement and interaction with journalists had been an eye-opener and a fulfilling exercise.

“We are aware that the ESR is being run in Malawi for the very first

Kabwato explains the Situation Room to Mzuzu journalists.

time and so, naturally, its concept will be rather difficult to grasp. We are pleased, however, that the media in Malawi have shown tremendous interest in the project and see value in the work we are doing in the country,” said Kabwato.

He added: “The three briefings we’ve held have been eye-openers and have helped us to understand the needs that exist with regards to reporting on elections in Malawi. More importantly, they have allowed us to appreciate the critical value Malawi media are bringing to the forthcoming tripartite elections in May.”

Officially opening the media briefing in Mzuzu, MEIC Taskforce member, Moses Mkandawire, reminded members of the media that they had various responsibilities and obligations towards the people of Malawi in servicing their information needs.

“We encourage responsible and professional reporting about elections in Malawi,” Mkandawire said.

MEIC Taskforce Member, Moses Mkandawire, responds to questions from journalists.

Over the three media briefings, MEIC has interacted with over 60 journalists, some of whom have included senior media managers.

- Reporting by Christine Malata