APD Decries, Govt Acknowledges MEC Leadership Void
The APD is a consortium of civil society groups established to advocate for peaceful coexistence, harmonious relationships and nonviolent political activities in Africa.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— The Africa Political Discuss (APD) says the group is saddened by President Lazarus Chakwera's delay in appointing a new Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson to replace Dr. Chifundo Kachale, whose term expired on June 7, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
"We cannot afford as a country to have an electoral body that is operating in a vacuum," APD Executive Secretary Philip Kamangira said in an interview Sunday, noting the vacancy is negatively impacting MEC's operations with 15 months until general elections.
Kamangira said Chakwera's government is "creating institutional paralysis" because without a quorum, MEC cannot function properly.
He revealed two more commissioners' terms have also expired, further compounding the vacuum.
MEC's Media and Public Relations Manager Sangwani Mwafulirwa confirmed Kachale's term ended, saying only the president can appoint the chairperson, who must be a judge nominated by the Judicial Service Commission.
"The other members or commissioners should be not less than four and not more than six as may be appointed in accordance with an Act of Parliament Section 75 (1)," Mwafulirwa said.
Government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu acknowledged the chairperson's position is vacant due to an expired term.
"Normal procedures will be followed to appoint a replacement," said Kunkuyu, who is also information minister. He declined to provide a timeline for when a new chairperson would be named.
The APD is a consortium of civil society groups established to advocate for peaceful coexistence, harmonious relationships and nonviolent political activities in Africa.