“You are expected not to be advancing interests of certain small groups at the expense of the people of Malawi, despite how vocal those small groups may be and despite how intimidating they may look to you.”—Chief Justice Mzikamanda said
By Cathy Maulidi:
Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda has challenged commissioners at the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) to work for Malawians and not for the interest of certain groups of people.
Mzikamanda made the call Friday during the swearing in new of Mec Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and two other commissioners for the electoral body, Rev Phillip Kambulire and Limbikani Kamlongera.
The swearing in ceremony took place at the High Court in Lilongwe.
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“Commit yourselves to working together for the advancement of democracy in Malawi and for the benefit of the people of Malawi,” said the Chief Justice.
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“You are expected to be independent. You are expected not to be advancing interests of certain small groups at the expense of the people of Malawi, despite how vocal those small groups may be and despite how intimidating they may look to you,” he said.
He warned the commissioners that they were stepping onto a challenging turf as administrators of elections in Malawi.
He urged them not to be waylaid in their work by those challenges.
“There will be numerous accusations directed at you. In the Judiciary, we have experienced many of those accusations. Some of those accusations come with ill motive intended to destruct you from the noble task that you must perform for all Malawians. So remain focused on your mandate and on the law,” he said.
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In his statement, new Mec chair Mtalimanja said she will brief Malawians on what will be her priorities once she settles in the office.
“I will continue the mandate of Mec and implement the calendar that has already been set,” she said.
Born on July 26, 1976, Mtalimanja assumes office on a four- year contract after the expiry of the contract for Justice Chifundo Kachale who has served on the position for four years from 2020.
Kachale assumed the role at a time of heated political moment in the country when the court had nullified the presidential elections of May 2019 and ordered fresh ones.
The court invalidated the election on account of being marred by irregularities.
Prior to the court decision, the country witnessed a wave of mass protests with accusations directed at the Mec for mishandling the election.
Justice Jane Ansah was then Mec chair.
Kachale’s first major assignment as Mec chair was to manage those fresh elections.
