Malawi Ombudsman Disqualifies Two ACB Director Candidates
Ombudsman Grace Malera announced the decision on Friday, stating that Counsel Oscar Taulo and Hillary Chilomba did not meet the legal qualifications for the role.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Malawi's Ombudsman has disqualified two candidates from consideration for the position of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director, citing irregularities in the selection process, writes Ireen Kayira.
Ombudsman Grace Malera announced the decision on Friday, stating that Counsel Oscar Taulo and Hillary Chilomba did not meet the legal qualifications for the role.
"Their shortlisting and interviews were flawed and cannot be upheld," Malera said. "Both candidates are disqualified."
The investigation was prompted by an anonymous complaint alleging the shortlisting and interviewing processes were irregular and unprocedural.
While Taulo met the educational and experience requirements outlined in the job advertisement, Malera noted the advertisement itself "failed to align with [the] legal provision" in the Corrupt Practices Act.
Regarding Chilomba, the Ombudsman found he lacked the required five years of senior management experience.
Malera directed the entire process to be nullified, stating any other candidates who fail to meet the legal criteria should also be disqualified.
"The Corrupt Practices Act stipulates that a candidate must possess both academic and professional qualifications in fields such as law, finance, or law enforcement and have 10 years of post-qualification experience to both academic and professional qualifications," Malera explained.
"The advertisement failed to align with this legal provision."
The Ombudsman concluded that Taulo and Chilomba cannot be said to have legitimate expectations arising from their participation in the flawed and unlawful processes.