In what can only be described as a public masterclass in logic and calm leadership, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa calmly dismantled a flurry of conspiracy-laced concerns over Smartmatic technology during a Hotel Current broadcast on Times TV—leaving DPP sympathizers looking more like confused toddlers in a tech store than a serious political force.
Faced with relentless and often clumsy questioning from show host Brian Banda—clearly auditioning for the role of “chief worrier”—Mwafulirwa didn’t flinch. Instead, he delivered facts with the precision of a surgeon and the sarcasm of a stand-up comic. The issue? Malawi’s adoption of Smartmatic technology to help administer the upcoming elections. And for those still trapped in 2014, yes, that’s the same technology used in countries far ahead in electoral management.
Mwafulirwa’s analogy was so brilliant it deserves its own viral hashtag. When Banda asked why MEC had opted for Smartmatic now, the spokesperson flipped the script: “What phone are you using now?” Banda, proudly: “iPhone 16 Pro Max.” Mwafulirwa, straight-faced: “And in 2014?” Banda, caught off guard: “Uhh… iTel.” Exactly.
That, Mwafulirwa explained, is how technology evolves. You don’t stick with a 2GB iTel in 2025 just because it worked in 2014. If tech improves, so should the tools of democracy. The Smartmatic debate, he implied, is less about real concern and more about a political camp frantically trying to throw dust in the wind to mask its own fear of the ballot box.
And the sarcasm didn’t stop there.
On the issue of MEC system audits, Mwafulirwa clarified that political parties—yes, including the DPP—were involved every step of the way. Audits are welcome, he said, but let’s agree on the scope first, something all parties are currently working on. Translation? No, MEC is not hiding anything. But yes, DPP might be hiding from something—perhaps the stinging possibility of another humiliating loss in September.
Mwafulirwa didn’t hesitate to call out reckless political rhetoric either. Without naming and shaming too hard, he lashed out at figures like Shadreck Namalomba for declaring the elections “already rigged”—statements that discouraged ordinary citizens from registering, while DPP leaders themselves rushed to register without blinking. Hypocrisy much?
In the end, it was a broadcast that showcased the difference between a commission rooted in facts and a party addicted to fearmongering. While Mwafulirwa stuck to calm clarity, the DPP camp came across as a group still charging iTels in an iPhone world—bitter, outdated, and clearly out of sync with Malawi’s democratic progress.
September is coming. And MEC has moved on.
Apparently, only some parties haven’t.
