Tag Archives: Chifundo Kachale

Law and order, Malawi

Chakwera appoints Judge Annabel Mtalimanja as new MEC chairperson

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera has appointed High Court Judge Annabel Mtalimanja as the new chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

This is in accordance with Section 75 of the country’s constitution and Section 4 of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act,

Mtalimanja replaces Justice Chifundo Kachale whose contract expired on June 6, 2024 alongside contracts for two commissioners, Anthony Mukumbwa and Olivia Liwewe.

In a press statement issued on June 20, 2024 and signed by MEC’s director of media and public relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa, Chakwera has also appointed Rev. Phillip Kambulire and Dr. Limbikani Kamlongera as commissioners.

The two commissioners replace Mukumbwa and Liwewe, who were nominated by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in 2020.

“The appointments are with effect from 7th June 2024 and fill the vacancies that had arisen in the Commission following the end of tenure for Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale who was the chairman and Commissioners Dr. Anthony John Mukumbwa and Olivia Mchaju Liwewe on 6th June 2024,” reads the statement.

The three join commissioners Richard Chapweteka, Dr Emmanuel Fabiano, Francis Kasaila and Caroline Mfune.

Malawi goes for general elections in September 2025.

Opinion, Politics

MEC chair Chifundo Kachale’s failed leadership under spotlight: A threat to 2025 fair, credible elections

Maravi Post Author

By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-As the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Chifundo Kachale is tasked with ensuring that elections in the country are conducted fairly, transparently, and credibly.

However, during his tenure, Kachali has come under fire for failing to address various issues that have raised doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.

One of the major criticisms leveled against Kachali is his handling of by-elections in Karonga and other parts of the country.

In these elections, there have been reports of members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) giving out handouts in violation of electoral laws.

Despite these blatant violations, Kachali has failed to take any action to address these issues, leading to concerns about the impartiality of the electoral commission.

Furthermore, there have been allegations that the MEC is under the control of the MCP, further raising doubts about Kachale’s ability to lead the commission in a fair and unbiased manner.

These allegations have created a climate of fear and uncertainty among the public, with many questioning whether future elections will be free, fair, and credible.

Kachale’s failures as Chairperson of the MEC have not only undermined the trust of the public in the electoral process but have also eroded the credibility of the commission itself.

In order to restore confidence in the electoral system, it is imperative that Kachale is held accountable for his lack of action and leadership.

In addition to the issues surrounding the handling of by-elections, there have been concerns raised about the lack of transparency and accountability within the MEC under Kachale’s leadership.

The commission has been accused of lacking proper mechanisms for monitoring and addressing electoral malpractices, further fueling suspicions of corruption and bias.

This lack of transparency not only undermines the credibility of the electoral process but also erodes the public’s trust in the institution responsible for safeguarding their democratic rights.

Moreover, Kachale’s failure to effectively address these issues has also had a detrimental impact on the political landscape in Malawi.

The allegations of MCP control over the MEC have heightened political tensions and exacerbated divisions within the country.

This has the potential to not only jeopardize the peace and stability of the nation but also undermine the legitimacy of the government that emerges from future elections.

Furthermore, Kachale’s inaction in the face of these criticisms raises serious questions about his ability to lead the MEC effectively.

As the head of the commission, it is his responsibility to ensure that elections are conducted in a manner that is free, fair, and credible.

By failing to address these issues, Kachale’s has shown a lack of commitment to upholding democratic principles and fulfilling his mandate as Chairperson of the MEC.

In conclusion, Chifundo Kachale’s failed leadership at the Malawi Electoral Commission poses a serious threat to fair and credible elections in the country.

His inability to address issues of electoral malpractice, lack of transparency, and allegations of political bias have undermined the credibility of the electoral process and eroded public trust in the institution.

It is essential that Kachale be held accountable for his failures and that steps be taken to ensure that future elections in Malawi are conducted in a manner that upholds democratic principles and serves the best interests of the people.

Politics

Dedza Central By-Elections: MEC probing MCP candidate Gwengwe for campaigning during polls

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Chifundo Kachale is investigating a complaint that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate Willard Gwengwe was going around polling stations during the Dedza Central by-elections.

Addressing the press in Dedza after the close of voting on Thursday, November 16, 2023, he said MEC will also probe claims of an unregistered person, voting in the same by-election.

Kachale, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, said MEC has received a complaint from one of the contesting parties about Gwengwe’s conduct. He said MEC will look into the issue and determine whether it has impacted the outcome of the election.

“On that incident, we require our presiding officers to give us comprehensive incident reports as part of the final report for the polling.

“We will assess the evidence on that issue and decide whether that conduct has impacted the result of the poll and that will be determined when we meet as a commission to determine the results tomorrow,” he said.

However as expected, unofficial results in the Dedza central parliamentary by-election show that the MCP candidate has won.

The unofficial results show that Willard Gwengwe won with 7988 votes while independent candidate Jacob Kaumphawi amassed 7395 votes and a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Andrew Kowedza got 395 votes.

The Dedza Central Constituency seat fell vacant after the death of former legislator Daniel Chiwere in July this year.

Three candidates, namely Gwengwe, Andrew Kowedza of DPP, and independent Jacob Kaumphawi tussled in the trace.

Both Gwengwe and Kaumphawi are MCP members.

Health

MEC has no mandate to force anyone on Covid-19 vaccine, this joke must stop

Maravi Post Author

By Rfred Manjawira

There has never been in a history where people were forced to receive that which is good for the common good of the society.

We have full examples in Malawi. The government has never forced anyone to receive coupon for agricultural inputs to save for the common good of society in terms of fighting against hunger.

And for some electoral body to think they can freeze a job contract or suspend its workers for not taking the vaccine is drama of the century.

Even the billions of money which was set for poor people to receive during this Covid-19 era, no one was forced for the common good. It’s insane to score unreasonable noise on vaccination and think that the jabbed elite are super chosen ones.

Amazing that the vaccinated lads think they are in their own supper class and immortal all of the sudden. So babyish and the stunts are baseless.

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Chifundo Kachale and his team should realize that everyone has got a right to scrutinize and choose what enters their body.

No institution/employer whether of Law or whatever must dictate what employees should consume. What goes into my body is entirely my responsibility.

There is no pen in history that shows any nation, king, president forcing people to receive anything good (through any means) for the sake of common good.

If you think you cannot associate with those not jabbed then you should be the one working from home or quit working altogether.

Your choice to consume any vaccine should not be a super choice to be forced upon those not jabbed. Government is clear on this, “Vaccine is not mandatory” End of story.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are thought of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor.

Development

MEC appoints longtime Deputy Harris Potani as Acting CEO

Maravi Post Reporter
MEC chairperson Kachale

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has appointed Harris Potani as Acting Chief Elections Officer with immediate effect.

Potani, who has been serving as Deputy Chief Elections Officer, replaces Sam Alfandika who resigned in April this year.

MEC Chairperson, Justice Dr Chifundo Kachale said in a statement that Potani has been with electoral body for 21 years having joined it as Electoral Services Officer.

As Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Potani was responsible for operations.

“The Commission is inviting all stakeholders to render the necessary support to Mr. Potani as he leads the secretariat in the meantime as modalities to fill the position substantially are underway,” Kachale.

Alfandika resigned from his position almost three years after taking part in the management of the nullified 2019 Presidential poll and fresh June 23rd  2020 Presidential election.

He particularly resigned after picking up a job as International Elections Adviser to the United Nations (UN).

Lifestyle, Malawi

Malawi electoral body boss Sam Alfandika resigns for green pasture

Maravi Post Reporter
Sam Alfandika quits as MEC CEO

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chief Elections Officer Sam Alfandika has resigned after three years in the job.

Alfandika is reportedly taking up an international job.

In a press statement available to The Maravi Post on Wednesday, April 27, 2021, MEC chairperson Chifundo Kachale disclosed that the commission received a Notice of Resignation from Alfandika on April 26, 2021.

Kachale added that Alfandika has already proceeded on his accrued annual leave pending the effective operation of the resignation.

“In the meantime, the Commission shall be meeting to discuss the relevant modalities for filling the vacancy arising from this development, bearing in mind the critical role of this office in the effective discharge of our business at all levels,” said Kachale.

Alfandika started working as MEC Chief Elections in January, 2018 and oversaw a turbulent period at the commission where he was responsible for managing electoral processes.

There were calls for Alfandika and commissioners of MEC to resign following the 2019 Tripartite Elections. Over a period of nine months, Malawians took to the streets to protest the results of the presidential elections in which MEC declared Peter Mutharika as the winner.

The results of the polls were nullified last year by the Constitutional Court over widespread irregularities, a decision which was later upheld by the Supreme Court.

In 2020, MEC managed the Fresh Presidential Elections where President Lazarus Chakwera was elected.  The commission also conducted by-elections for several parliamentary seats last month. Both elections were described as free and fair by stakeholders.

Malawi, Regional

MEC chairman, Justice Dr Chifundo Kachale is subject to public scrutiny

Ufulu
MEC chairman, Justice Dr Chifundo Kachale

Former Malawi President Bakili Muluzi is warning Chifundo Kachale that his actions in determining the winner of the elections will be judged by others.

Claims of fraud continue to grow as the official results in Blantyre show Chakwera getting less than 19,000 votes.

While the MEC verification continues, Former President Bakili Muluzi writes, Justice Kachale, you cannot judge yourselves on how you have conducted the election. You must leave that to the public. You are subject to public scrutiny and anything that will be said must be welcomed.

Justice Jane Ansah after the past election, she allowed the justice to work on her and gave the freedom to people for anything they wanted to be it demonstrations. That is what we call being democratic (of course I did not like her personality)

 If the results had favoured DPP by now you could have the abnormal HRDC protesting the outcome

Fair elections by all opposition meant them winning and losing meant rigging from government. This is not right!

I am not against any upcoming leader I am also exercising my rights!

Meantime the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it has so far verified results from 17 of the 28 districts across the country.

MEC director of communications Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the results announced so far represent 30 percent of the total registered voters.

He further said MEC has received a complaint from the Democratic Progressive Party urging the commission to call for a fresh election on the basis that the ongoing election had a lot of electoral irregularities

Malawi

MEC starts announcing official results for Malawi fresh poll; DPP leading

Maneno Chimulala

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Chifundo Kachale has started announcing official results for fresh election from district tally centres after Malawians went to polls on Tuesday.

Speaking during a press briefing this morning, Kachale said the commission has so received results from 26 districts, remaining with Mzimba and Dowa.

According to official results from three districts, namely Mwanza, Likoma and Chiradzulu, Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is leading after amassing 12, 185, I,690 and 90, 371 votes respectively, representing 80.5 percent.

Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has amassed 2, 981, 11, 777 and 9, 456 votes in Likoma, Chiradzulu and Mwanza respectively, while Peter Kuwani of Mbakuwaku is trailing behind with a total of 1044 votes from the three districts.

However, MCP’s Lazarus Chakwera is tipped to take over the highest office from Mutharika according to unofficial results of all districts.

In Nkhatabay district, Kachale has clarified that 106, 074 people registered in 2019 but the figure rose to 106, 374 in 2020 due to transfers, thereby clearing the mist over the number of voters in the district.

Politics

Malawi electoral body to receive ballot papers on June 19; fresh polls

Maravi Post Reporter
MEC chairperson Kachale

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says is read for fresh presidential elections slated for June 23, 2020.

The commission’s chairperson Chifundo Kachale says printing of ballot papers has started in Dubai and the commission expects to receive the papers on 19 June, 2020.

In a press statement made available to The Maravi Post Kachale disclosed that the commission held a meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2020 and resolved that the printing of ballot papers should begin immediately.

The resolution was communicated to Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing.

“The printer has indicated that it will take a minimum of seven days to print and package the ballot papers.

“All factors remaining constant, the ballot papers and associated electoral materials maybe be received by the commission on 19th June, 2020 at Kamuzu International Airport in the presence of candidates’ representatives,” said Kachale.

He added that the commission will engage candidates on anticipated challenges and possible mitigation.

The electoral commission is expected to hold Presidential Elections on June 23, 2020 following May 21, 2019 polls nullification by Constitutional Court (ConCourt).