Malawi Cables
In a shocking turn of events, over 1.1 million eligible voters have reportedly been removed from Malawi’s electoral database in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to manipulate the upcoming September 16 elections. Malawi Congress Party (MCP), in collaboration with election authorities and Smartmatic, allegedly began tampering with the voters’ roll in December 2024, according to investigative reports.
Voter Transfers Spark Concerns
Initial efforts to interfere with the electoral process involved transferring registered voters to different districts, making it nearly impossible for them to cast their votes. Those registered in Thyolo, Mulanje, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, and Blantyre were reportedly moved to distant locations such as Mzuzu, Nkhatabay, Likoma, Lilongwe, and Mchinji. Likewise, voters from the Northern Region were reassigned to the South and parts of the Central Region.
This strategy aimed to create logistical barriers for opposition strongholds, effectively disenfranchising thousands. However, concerns arose that affected voters might still be able to cast their ballots under strict conditions, as their details remained in both the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and National Registration Bureau (NRB) systems.
The Shift to Total Deletion
A meeting between outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera and Israeli national David Tzur reportedly led to a new strategy: outright deletion of voters from MEC and NRB databases. This move was seen as a more effective way to manipulate the election outcome. Immigration and foreign affairs records confirm that Tzur was in Malawi during this period and received VIP treatment, including state security.
Evidence of Manipulation
The scale of this alleged rigging operation became evident when names of key figures, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) MEC Commissioner Francis Kasaila, were discovered missing from the voter database. Leading media outlet Zodiak Broadcasting Corporation confirmed these irregularities, adding credibility to the reports.
According to authoritative sources, a total of 1,152,091 voters have been affected. Some have had their details altered so they no longer match their National ID or voter registration records, while others have been completely erased—making it appear as if they never registered at all. The hardest-hit regions are opposition strongholds in the South and North, while Central Region voters account for only 1% of the affected electorate.
Calls for an Independent Audit
In light of these alarming revelations, opposition parties have been urged to demand an independent audit of the voters’ roll. A thorough comparison between the master roll and the current database is essential to restoring electoral integrity.
As Malawi approaches a critical election, concerns about democracy and political stability are mounting. This level of electoral malpractice, if proven, threatens to undermine public confidence and potentially spark unrest. The call for transparency and accountability has never been more urgent.
