Africa-Press – Malawi. As the country’s justice system continues to face challenges, including delays in the completion of cases, Justice Minister Titus Mvalo has said the Judiciary needed to go digital as soon as Tuesday.
Mvalo said this in Lilongwe Tuesday during the Malawi E-Justice National Conference held under the theme ‘Relying on Digital Transformation to Close the Justice Gap’.
Access to justice, according to Mvalo, remains a fundamental right, yet countless citizens encounter barriers that prevent them from seeking the legal remedies they deserve.
“These barriers can be physical, financial or systemic, often leaving the most vulnerable members of our society without the support they need. However, we stand at a decisive moment in history. The rapid advancement of digital technology presents us with unprecedented opportunities to transform our justice system.
“Digital transformation is not merely about adopting new technologies; it is about rethinking how we deliver justice, how we engage with our citizens, and how we ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can access the legal system,” Mvalo said.
Mvalo expressed disappointment that termites sometimes damage court files, emphasising the urgent need for digital transformation in Malawi’s Judiciary to avoid this.
“It’s sad to hear that termites have destroyed court files. We must move away from this,” Mvalo said.
“The introduction of e-filing systems and digital case management tools can streamline our justice processes, making them more efficient and transparent. By reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that often slow down the delivery of justice, we can ensure that cases are resolved more quickly and fairly. Virtual courts are also crucial,” he added.
On his part, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda said the Judicially was ready to go digital but stated that going 100 percent paperless would require a substantial amount of resources.
“We need to invest a lot for us to completely go digital. We also need to look into issues of network and computer education. A substantial investment is required for this to be achieved,” he said.
Judiciary partner, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Fenella Frost, said there was a need for partners and the government to come together and support the initiative.
“Access to justice through digital tools can make judicial services more available to the population regardless of their financial assets. It’s expensive and time consuming to go to court every time. With digital transformation, those services can be brought closer to the population,” Frost said.
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