Commission speaks on new Mesn
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it has nothing to do with the confusion created by the formation of Mtendere Election Support Network (Mesn) whose acronym is the same as that of Malawi Electoral Support Network, both involved in electoral issues.
In an interview last week MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the commission is ready to work with any legally registered and accredited organisation.
“The issue of acronyms is not of relevance to MEC, but to the organisations themselves. Fortunately, both are in the business of enlightening the masses. They will, therefore, take up the challenge themselves,” said Mwafulirwa.
He, however, said no organisation has so far been accredited as the commission has just invited applications from civil society organisations wishing to participate in voter and civic education in the 2014 tripartite elections.
Director of Institute for Policy Interaction Rafiq Hajat is among the founders of Mtendere Election Support Network whose formation has already attracted criticism from the Malawi Electoral Support Network because of its similar acronym.
But Hajat said Malawi Electoral Support Network does not exist in books. However, Malawi Electoral Support Network spokesperson Steve Duwa said the network has been using Malawi while waiting for government’s official approval of the usage of the name.
