By Mercy Matonga:
The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has asked the government to explain why it did not appoint the party’s third nominee, Mackford Somanje, to the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec).
According to a letter seen by The Daily Times and signed by the party’s secretary general Peter Mukhito, the law provides for the appointment of three process and ensuring transparency in line with democratic and legal standards,” the letter reads.
The party says the appointment of the third commissioner would ensure a balanced and fair constitution of the commission, which it describes as vital for maintaining democratic processes and public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
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Mukhito confirmed the contents of the letter and said, as of now, the party has not received a response from the government.
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Section 10 of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act says subject to the Constitution and to Section 11 (3), any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall not affect its decisions, the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers under the Constitution or any other written law.
Section 75 (1) of the Constitution says the commission shall consist of such other members, not being less than six, as may be appointed in accordance with an Act of Parliament.
“We have not received any response from the government yet,” Mukhito said.
However, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu said relevant authorities were in a good position to speak on the issue.
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“The OPC [Office of the President and Cabinet], as the addressee, is better placed to respond,” Kunkuyu said.
OPC Director of Legal Affairs Chizaso Nyirongo said he had not received the letter.
“I haven’t seen the letter and, so, I might not be in a position to respond,” Nyirongo said.
The new commissioners are replacing Emmanuel Fabiano and Caroline Mfune, whose terms expired, and Francis Kasaila, who resigned after rejoining politics.
