Lesotho salutes MEC on election management

Speaking in Lilongwe yesterday during a two-day study visit, IEC Lesotho chairperson John Maphephe commended MEC for delivering a credible election, including the effective use of technology. “We are proud to associate ourselves with MEC to learn how it managed the process and apply some of the lessons in our 2028 elections,” he said. Maphephe noted that Malawi’s experience in integrating technology and managing election logistics offers valuable lessons for Lesotho as it seeks to improve efficiency, transparency and public trust.

He said: “We are particularly interested in how technology can be integrated across the electoral process—not as an end in itself, but as a tool to improve accuracy, efficiency, accountability and stakeholder confidence. “Equally important is the management of election materials, from storage to distribution, as well as systems that ensure timely, secure and transparent transmission and publication of results.” Maphephe said the visit reflects the spirit of collaboration among electoral bodies in Africa, which is key to addressing emerging challenges. In her remarks, MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja welcomed the engagement, stressing the importance of continuous learning.

She said MEC will also learn from Lesotho’s experiences to further strengthen its own processes, noting that electoral bodies operate in different legal, political and socio-economic contexts. Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, said: “Election management is not static. It is a dynamic and evolving responsibility that requires constant learning, adaptation and innovation.

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“No single institution has all the answers. Through collaboration and exchange of experiences, we can improve both individually and collectively.” In an interview, Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said Lesotho’s remarks affirm local assessments that MEC managed the elections professionally despite challenges. “The integration of technology is a big plus because it facilitates electoral processes at all levels.

We agree with the commendation as it reflects what the public has already observed,” he said. Kondowe said the recognition signals Malawi’s growing democratic maturity, stressing that an independent electoral body is key to ensuring credible elections. Meanwhile, the 2026 Freedom House report recently classified Malawi as a “free” country for the first time in two decades, citing competitive elections, judicial independence and adherence to the rule of law.

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