The newly sworn in Commissioners of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) have concluded meetings with candidates and party leaders contesting in the forthcoming elections.
Commissioner concluded the meetings on Saturday in Lilongwe with Malawi Congress Party President and Tonse Alliance candidate Dr. Lazarus Chakwera after holding similar meetings on Friday in Blantyre with Democratic Progressive Party whose torch bearer is President Peter Mutharika and Mbakuwaku Movement party whose candidate is Peter Dominic Kuwani.
According to MEC chairperson, Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale meetings with the Presidential Election candidates allowed the Commission to update all candidates on the state of preparedness, the anticipated challenges and mitigating initiatives.
“These face-toface meetings also afforded us a unique opportunity for the
candidates to inform us of their expectations on the work of the Commission as regards the Fresh Presidential Election and to agree on modalities for ongoing engagement with their nominating political parties where necessary.” He said.
Kachale indicated that the candidates have been encouraged to propagate messages of peaceful campaign to their supporters and to urge them to come in large numbers to vote.
“The Commission is appealing to political parties to enhance the message of peaceful elections in their campaign speeches. They should also urge their members to turn out in large numbers on the polling day. It is the votes cast that count for a candidate to win and not attendance of rallies.” He underlined adding that parties must always observe COVID-19 protective measures during campaign rallies
The new commission has pledged commitment to hold a credible election by assuring their total commitment to holding a credible election despite some of the challenges they might face ahead.
“We are committed to remain impartial, neutral and independent in our operations and decision making as provided by the Constitution and the subsidiary electoral laws. We remain committed to engaging stakeholders and we approach the process with an open mind to embrace any ideas from stakeholders that will contribute and enhance the credibility of this election.” Promised Kachale
The new Commission said is set to hold a Fresh Presidential Election on June 23, 2020. The new elections were ordered by judgement of the High Court sitting as a Constitutional Court on 3 February, 2020, after noting some irregularities during the elections held on 21 May, 2019.
The Constitutional Court order was confirmed on appeal by the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal in its decision of 8th May 2020.
Quick Facts
State President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika on 7 June, 2020, appointed the new commissioners to constitute a new Commission to manage electoral
processes upon expiry of the term of the last cohort.
The appointment was made in exercise of powers conferred upon him by section 75 of the Constitution and section 4 of the Electoral Commission Act as amended.
Mutharika appointed the following commissioners:
Commissioner Arthur Nanthuru (Legal Affairs Committee),
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| Mathanga speaking to media |
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| Commissioner Olivia Liwewe (Research, Monitoring and Evaluation) |
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Commissioner Dr. Anthony Mukumbwa (Audit) (L)
& Commissioner Linda Kunje
(Finance and Administration) (R)
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Key Electoral Calendar events
• 20-22 June, 2020: Dispatch of polling materials
• 21 June, 2020 at 6.00am: End of official campaign
• 22 June, 2020: pre-inspection of ballot papers and polling materials in all polling stations
• 23 June, 2020: polling in all centres from 6am to 6pm.
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