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| Mutharika shaking hands with Mbendera |
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has publicly said it has never received any pressure from Government in its operations since ascendancy to power of President Peter Mutharika and has since applauded the State President for ensuring that the Electoral body operates freely as well training Commissioners so that they are well versed with matters of elections.
MEC Chairperson, Justice Maxon Mbendera was speaking during MEC Commissioners audience with President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace on Tuesday 12th January 2015 where the commission made a formal presentation of 2014 Tripartite Election Report.
Before handing over the report, Mbendera emphasised that the Commission is enjoying working with the President and his Government.
“Unlike in other jurisdictions, Your Excellency, does not, and has never interfered with the work of the Commission. Your Excellency has ensured that You Sir give us the space to work independently in fulfillment of our mandate.” Said Mbendera adding that he never got a phone call from the President, directing him what the commission ought to do
Commissioners were meeting with the President for the first time since 2014 Tripartite Elections because they failed to meet the first citizen last year due to his tight schedule. Although the report was sent out to all political parties long time ago but the Commission needed to meet the president since under section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act, the Commission is obliged to present the report to the President.
MEC Chair’s speech dwelled much on highlighting some of the major activities and achievements the commission has registered since Mutharika’s ascendancy to power.
Some of the achievements mentioned include by-elections for the seats that fell vacant for various reasons after the 2014 Tripartite Elections and capacity building programmes for both Commissioners and staff at MEC.
Mbendera said the Commission conducted three sets of by-elections; in October 2014, August 2015 and 22nd December 2015. And thanked Mutharika Government for providing financial support for conducting these by-elections and described such gesture as a “Commitment” to the “democratization process of this country” to ensure that the people are represented at all times.
He further noted with appreciation of capacity building programmes which he said has enabled Commissioners to be well versed in matters of elections as they prepare for 2019 elections.
Mbendera said the Commissioners have been exposed to various capacity building programes including; civic education, logistics, voter registration, conflict management, and that recently, the Commissioners and Staff have been capacitated to carry out a very critical function of demarcation with excellence.
“In short your Excellency, I want to underscore the fact that Commissioners are well prepared to undertake the tasks that lie ahead. You can be assured that they will perform their duties with professionalism.
We wish to assure Your Excellency, that with kind of training we have been receiving over the years, we shall deliver quality elections in the country. It is a desire of the Commissioners to make the Malawi Electoral Commission a centre of Excellence in Elections Management.” He said
Mbendera further thanked president Mutharika’s Government for providing funds for ongoing demarcation programme and current budget of the Commission.
“Your Excellency, with this support, Malawins are assured of having quality services from the Commission. On our part, we shall continue to serve the nation without fear or favour.” Said Mbendera
Among others, Mbendera said in 2015 and 2016 financial Year, the Commission has lined up plans including, demarcation of wards and constituencies, voter registration exercise and has also supported electoral reforms process. The Commissioners also reminded the President of the expiry of their first term of office in May 2016 and in of Chairman coming to an end in October , 2016.
In his remarks president Peter Mutharika, appreciated the Commission for organizing and managing the 2014 tripartite elections as well as subsequent by-elections.
“Mr. Chairman, the conduct of the recent bye-elections does indeed show that your Commission has come of age and has acquired the relevant experience in managing elections.
I would therefore like to assure you that my Government is ready and willing to offer the support to your Commission in the discharge of its legal mandate.” Said President Mutharika
He also informed the president that the term of their office for Commissioners comes to an end in May this year while his terms ends in October this year.
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