Now that Malawians have voted and that results are making steady progress, we want to discuss what the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) does when elections are over.
Does it simply close its doors and wait for the next election season?
The truth is that the commission’s work does not end with the announcement of results.
- Pre-electoral:
- Develops work plans and calendars.
- Recruits and trains staff.
- Procures materials and logistics.
- Conducts voter registration exercises.
- Continuously carries out civic and voter education.
- Electoral (Polling):
- Registers candidates.
- Oversees campaign activities.
- Manages polling day, including counting ballots and transmitting results.
- Declares the final winners.
- Post-electoral:
- Conducts internal and external post-election audits and evaluations.
- Engages in electoral and legal reforms.
- Reviews its own processes and procedures.
- Builds capacity and provides further training to staff.
- Manages by-elections as needed.
- Begins preparations for the next major election.
Elections are not a single event that begins and ends at polling day but rather a continuous cycle of activities that link one election to another.
This cycle can best be understood as having three broad phases: the pre-electoral, the electoral, and the post-electoral period. These phases are not distinct processes with clear beginnings and endings, rather, they flow into each other, and when considered together, they are all three. For example, civic and voter education is a constant part of the process.
In the pre-electoral stage, much of the behind-the-scenes work is carried out. MEC develops detailed calendars and work plans to guide activities. Staff are recruited and trained, materials are procured and logistical plans are put in place in every corner of the country is ready when the big day arrives.
This stage also includes conducting voter registration exercises. Without this groundwork, there would be no credible election.
The electoral period or polling is the most visible to the public. It is marked by the registration of candidates, vigorous campaign activities and the excitement of election day when Malawians all vote.
The highlight is polling day itself, when millions of Malawians queue for hours in the sun to vote. This is followed by the counting of ballots, the transmission of results, and the final declaration of winners.
So, it is in the post-electoral period where the Commission often does some of its most important work. This is when MEC is largely out of the spotlight.
After declaring the results, MEC does not fold its arms. Instead, it embarks on electoral and legal reforms, reviews its own processes and procedures, and builds the capacity and provides further training to its staff.
Post-election audits also take place. These are internal and external evaluations to ensure accountability and transparency. The legitimate expectations of the just-ended election are conducted, allowing staff and key stakeholders to reflect on what worked well and what needs to be improved.
In truth, preparations for the next election begin immediately after the last one is over.
Another crucial aspect of post-election work involves by-elections. Even after a major presidential or parliamentary election, a vacancy can arise suddenly.
All these tasks demonstrate that MEC is never idle. Its work is not limited to organizing voting day, but extends to nurturing and safeguarding democracy year after year.
