Tag Archives: Francis Kasaira

Malawi, Politics

Katsaira steps down from MEC commissioner role

Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-With just months remaining before the elections, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Commissioner Francis Katsaira has submitted his resignation letter, raising questions about the timing and potential impact on the electoral process.

The resignation letter, dated April 23, 2025, was signed by Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Director of Media and Public Relations.

According to the letter, Katsaira’s decision to step down aligns with constitutional and legal provisions, which state that a member of the Commission may resign at any time by submitting a written notice to the President.

Mwafulirwa further stated that, following Katsaira’s resignation, the Commission is now comprised of five members and the Chairperson, highlighting a change in its composition as the country approaches the upcoming elections.

He assured the public that despite the resignation, the current composition of the Commission still meets the legal threshold for a quorum.

He therefore said according to the law, a minimum of four commissioners is required for the Commission to carry out its official duties, and that condition remains satisfied.

In an interview, political analyst George Phiri noted that Malawians have increasingly expressed concerns about the current commissioners and the MEC Chairperson as the country edges closer to elections.

He described recent resignations as disheartening, raising serious questions about the commission’s fairness and integrity.

Phiri state that referring to the disputed 2019 elections and the public’s rejection of the results, said it is time for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to consider reconstituting the commission.

“We expect to see more resignations from the commissioners as the elections draw nearer,” said Phiri.

Recently, the name of Katsaira was missing from the MEC voters’ registration list, raising concerns in the just-ended parliamentary session.

Members of Parliament expressed dissatisfaction with the use of the digital registration system, questioning its reliability ahead of the upcoming elections.

Politics

DPP bars proxy voting in upcoming primary elections

Maravi Post Reporter

By Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(Maravi Post)-The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has made it clear that aspirants will not be allowed to use proxies during its primary elections slated for next month.

This comes after reports emerged that Francis Kasaira, a parliamentary aspirant for Nsanje Central, intended to use a proxy during the primary elections.

Chipiriro Mpinganjira, DPP’s Director of Legal Affairs, has weighed in on the matter, stating that using a proxy is not permissible.

Mpinganjira emphasized that aspirants must present themselves and participate in the primary elections.

Kasaira, who is currently a Commissioner at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), had reportedly told DPP electoral colleges that he would use a proxy due to his ongoing contract with MEC.

However, Mpinganjira’s statement has put an end to any speculation about proxy voting.

The DPP primary elections are set to take place next month, with Kasaira facing off against Antony Malunga, Cubaless Mbalawira, and Ndafakale Mpomba.

As the elections approach, the DPP has reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness.

The party has urged all aspirants to adhere to its rules and regulations.

The use of proxies would have undermined the integrity of the electoral process.

By banning proxy voting, the DPP has ensured that the primary elections will be free and fair.

Politics

Mia set Lower Shire on fire as APM cancels DPP counter rallies; blood thirsty Francis Kansaira upset

Maravi Post correspondent

Kasaira; itching to shed blood in Lower Shire

CHIKWAWA–The battle as to who is in control of the Lower Shire between the nationally recognised giant of the region Sidik Mia and Nsanje based member of Parliament for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Francis Kansaira seems to be in favour of Mia with Kasaira knocked down before the battle begins. Continue reading Mia set Lower Shire on fire as APM cancels DPP counter rallies; blood thirsty Francis Kansaira upset →

Lifestyle, SADC

African Day commemorated with a call to invest in the youth

MaraviPost


African Day commemorated with a call to invest in the youth

MANA. Lilongwe, May 26, 2017: Guests from South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, Egypt, Tanzania, Malawi that attended the commemoration of the African Day hosted at the Egyptian High Commissioner’s House in Lilongwe, have been asked to invest in the youth.

Speaking during the event, where guests were served with various African dishes, Tandiwe Dumbutshena, Zimbabwean Ambassador to Malawi, and Dean of Diplomatic Corps, said Africa, which is one of the fastest growing continents in the world, is full of opportunities, and is the main source of mineral resources for the entire world. Africa therefore, needs to invest in the youth, most of whom are jobless, if it is to continue developing.

“As we celebrate this day, may I appeal to African countries to consider utilizing the youthful human capital at our disposal, by among others, empowering them to be proactive and progressively take part in the development of our continent,” said Dumbutshena. Continue reading African Day commemorated with a call to invest in the youth →

Lifestyle

SADC on existence stock taking: Malawi advocates for overhaul youth economic empowerment

Maravi Post correspondent

SADC delegates

EZULWINI-(MaraviPost): – The 15-member state Southern African Development Community (SADC), is on a stock-taking exercise of its existence with calls for youth economic empowerment and integration in all sectors of development.

 The SADC’ extraordinary summit currently underway in Ezulwin, Kingdom of Swaziland, focuses on what the regional body has achieved and what it has failed since its inception in 1980.

 The summit is reviewing the challenges the organization is facing such as slow ratification and domestication of protocols, gap between regional policies and national priorities, and limited or weak engagement with key stakeholders including business, civil society and academia. Continue reading SADC on existence stock taking: Malawi advocates for overhaul youth economic empowerment →