By Edwin Mauluka

International observers of Malawi’s September 16 general elections have urged the state broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), to open its airwaves to all political parties.

The Southern Africa Development Community’s Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), along with other regional and continental governance institutions, presented their preliminary findings at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Thursday.

“The mission is of the view that the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation should have done more to ensure equal coverage of campaign activities of all political parties in line with provisions of the Communications Act,’’ said SEOM Head of Mission Themba Nhlanganiso Masiku, noting that the broadcaster favored the governing Malawi Congress Party.

Masiku also called on the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to guarantee a level playing field on taxpayer-funded media platforms. He observed that private media outlets had provided more balanced coverage compared to MBC.

This is not the first time MBC has faced criticism. Earlier this year, before the official campaign season began, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), a press freedom advocate, held discussions with MBC management on the same issue. MBC briefly opened its platforms but soon reverted to its partisan approach.

Commenting on the broader electoral process, SEOM described it as largely peaceful and accessible, with accommodations made for people with disabilities. However, the mission highlighted some shortcomings, including overcrowding at polling stations, the exclusion of Malawians living abroad from voting, and low registration figures.

The observers recommended introducing continuous voter registration, clarifying electoral laws on the use of technology, and ensuring that any amendments to electoral legislation are enacted well before the next polls.

Image Credit: MANA