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

MEC Chief Elections Officer, Willie Kalonga, launching the Election Situation Room. – MEIC

The ESR is being run in Malawi for the very first time and is targeting the tripartite elections scheduled for 20 May. Countries that have previously run an ESR include Nigeria, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Tanzania, among others.

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.

“In our view, this form of collaboration makes efficient use of resources and greatly enhances electoral stakeholders’ capabilities to ensure an open and transparent process that inspires the confidence of all Malawians,” said Steve Duwa, MESN Chairperson ahead of the project launch.

MEIC will be deploying an integrated cutting-edge technology from SMAG Media UK Ltd., GoToVote & Ushahidi that will enable Malawians to:

1. Verify their voter registration status using mobile phones

2. Send multiple reports from communities via SMS and social media channels (citizen journalism);

3. Source verified and credible information in other parts of Malawi before, during and after elections
   

   SMAG Media’s Rachel Sibande explains the tools being deployed for elections observation.

4. Benefit from the trained observers deployed across Malawi who supply real time updates from polling streams and;

5. Access UNOFFICIAL results data sourced from accredited Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) polling streams.

“MESN takes great pride in presiding over this convergence of fundamental democratic processes with technological innovation. That this is happening in our 50^th year of Independence tells of the remarkable strides Malawi has taken over this number of years,” Duwa also said.

MESN Chairperson, Steve Duwa, gives his remarks at the MEIC launch.

He added: “More importantly, the Election Situation Room initiative points to a future in which technology empowers citizens to become actively engaged throughout the electoral cycle, exercising their rights by participating in the on-going democratic processes of their country across multiple platforms. As MESN, through the Malawi Election Information Centre, we are pleased to bring this future to Malawians for the very first time in the upcoming May 20 tripartite elections.”

Speaking at the launch event, the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) Chief Elections Officer, Willie Kalonga said his institution backed MEIC.

“We are supportive of MEIC,” Kalonga said, going on to make a toast to the success of the project.

Different stakeholders, amongst them representatives of government, civil society, political parties, diplomatic corps, media and citizens attended the launch event.

Part of the audience that attended the MEIC launch at Protea Ryalls Hotel.

Reporting by Levi Kabwato and Christine Malata