LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) is demanding President Lazarus to swiftly appoint Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners.
The calls comes after expiring of tenure of office ahead of September 16 polls.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe is concerned with Chakwera’s delay in appointing the commissioners arguing that the move risks undermining the credibility of MEC’s decision.
“We notes with deep concern the continued delay by the State President in appointing four commissioners to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), following the expiry of the terms of Commissioners Prof. Emmanuel Fabiano and Caroline Mfune on 8th June 2025, and the earlier resignation of Commissioner Francis Kasaila also nominated by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on 23rd April 2025.
“Commissioner Richard Chapweteka, who was nominated by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), also vacated his position, creating a total of four vacancies,” reads the statement in part.
Kondowe observes, “This delay comes at a critical time when the Commission must remain fully functional, impartial, and representative to inspire confidence in its decisions and processes ahead of the 2025 General Elections.
“We are particularly alarmed that, as it stands, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has no representation on the Commission, while the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) retains only two commissioners”.
He adds, “Although Section 10 of the Electoral Commission Act provides that a vacancy shall not affect the Commission’s functions, performance, or powers, we stress that such a legal safeguard cannot substitute for public trust and political legitimacy, especially in a context marked by growing political mistrust and electoral skepticism.
“Furthermore, Section 75(1) of the Constitution mandates that the Commission shall be composed of “not less than six” members”.
Kondowe observes further, “The current incomplete composition not only risks undermining the credibility of MEC’s decisions but may also fall short of constitutional expectations, particularly if decisions are taken in the absence of balanced political representation.
“We are compelled to remind the appointing authority that Section 4(2) of the Electoral Commission Act allows nominating parties to submit names for consideration, and any failure to act on such nominations may compromise the fairness and legality of decisions taken by a politically imbalanced Commission”.
CSEIF appeals, “We therefore call upon His Excellency the President to act prudently and swiftly to restore the Commission’s full membership by ensuring that the vetting process is concluded without further delay and that the appointment of the nominated Commissioners follows immediately thereafter.
“We further urge that, moving forward, the nomination and vetting processes should be completed well in advance of the expiry of commissioners’ terms to prevent operational lapses and to avoid creating perceptions of political manipulation”.
Kondowe includes, “MEC cannot afford to operate in a vacuum or with a compromised mandate.
“The restoration of a fully functional, politically balanced, and legitimate Commission is not just a legal imperative but a democratic necessity”.
Chakwera is yet to act on calls.