Electoral stakeholders have described as worrying recent developments at the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec), where contracts for senior staff have expired.
The Daily Times understands that contracts that have expired include those of chairperson Judge Chifundo Kachale and those of commissioners Anthony Mukumbwa and Olivia Liwewe.
Mec Director of Media and Communications Sangwani Mwafulirwa confirmed the development Sunday.
“The contracts came to an end on 6 June 2024,” Mwafulirwa said.
The development has prompted the National Advocacy Platform (Nap) to call on President Lazarus Chakwera to expedite the process of appointing the Mec chairperson and commissioners.
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“It is imperative that these positions are filled without delay,” said Nap chairperson Benedicto Kondowe in a statement released Sunday.
He added that they understand that outgoing commissioners are eligible for reappointment at the discretion of the nominating and appointing authorities.
Kondowe said with the crucial presidential and parliamentary elections approaching in 2025, there is a need to have continuity and strategic direction at Mec, describing it as key to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
“The timely appointment or reappointment of commissioners is essential to ensure that the commission can effectively prepare for and oversee these elections. We urge the newly appointed or all continuing commissioners to demonstrate unwavering allegiance to the Constitution of Malawi and the national flag,” the statement reads.
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Nap adds that it is ready to collaborate with Mec to ensure that the September 16 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections are free and fair.
On his part, People’s Federation for National Peace and Development Executive Director Edward Chaka, whose organisation has been taking part in civic and voter education, said there is a need to ensure continuity at the electoral body.
“This is especially important because elections are not a one-off thing but a process. As such, there is a need to ensure that no part of the process is disrupted.
“Surely, the existence of vacancies at Mec is cause for worry. We hope that the appointing authorities will act fast on the issue to ensure that there are no gaps. Needless to say elections are the heartbeat of democracy. As such, the importance of having all vacancies filled at Mec cannot be overemphasised,” Chaka said. Kachale has been leading the electoral body since June 7 2020.
