Malawi Electoral Commission to adjust operations -Audit report
An Audit report by Independent Review Panel on the suspension of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officers over the alleged abuse of funds at the country’s electoral body is finally out.
The Independent Review Panel provided findings and recommendations in which MEC is to adjust its operations and also employ thorough disciplinary action of some of the suspended officers.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday in Blantyre, MEC Chairperson Justice Dr Jane Ansah said the report will guide the commission to take necessary steps to work on the findings and also adjust its operations as stipulated in the electoral act.
“We will make sure that we implement the findings of Independent Review Panel. Soon enough, we will be inviting the suspended officers to give their side over the alleged fraud.
“Their say will determine whether they should be given a disciplinary action or not,” she said.
According to MEC Chairperson, the commission is eager to correct some of the misinterpretation of the electoral act that obstructed the commission from executing its operations effectively.
However, Justice Ansah was non committal to disclose as to when the commission will finalize their reviews as stipulated in the audit report.
In August last year, MEC sent seven of its employees on force leave to pave way for investigations over the abuse of funds and financial mismanagement which occurred at the commission.
Among the officers who were sent on force leave are Willie Kalonga, Chief Elections Officer, Harris Potani Deputy Chief Elections Officer for operations, George Khaki, Director of Administration and Human Resource, Khumbo Phiri, Director of Finance, Edington Chilapondwa, Procurement Manager, Chimwemwe Kamala, Procurement officer and Sydney Ndembwe Assistant Procurement Officer.
It is alleged that over millions of kwacha were systematically looted by some of the officers.
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I believe Willie Kalonga is facing judgement. This man apart from what he is going through right now, he is also facing fire with his wife and children. A week ago, Willie was caught red handed inside his car was found his girlfriend Grace Mhango whilst he stepped outside to buy beer so that he can have sex with this stupid, fool and poor minded girl. This happened purely afternoon and was caught by his own wife and children. And this girlfriend happens to be a MEC employee. Grace Mhango has been warned by Willie Kalonga’s wife and other people… Read more »
Am a politician but I like the way this man handles his job. he is always on top of events. I have participated in the past 4 elections but Mwafulirwa did a good job in bringing the EC close to stakeholders. We never had problems getting information from the Commission. it could just comes. We need him back at the Commission. if he was a fired that decision should be reversed. he is the best PRO to have worked for the MEC
@socioco, Sangwana is around. Am told he is doing postgraduate studies at one of the colleges> i also miss this boy of how he was standing up in the thick of things during 2014.
I have known Sangwani as a born again Christian since POlytechnic days. I dont think he could have participated in this. Morever he was just a PRO, he could not have the influence to engage in fraudulent activities. Ma born again ena timawamvera mbiri yokumwa mowa, womanising, kuba ndalama koma uyu yekha ndikhoza kuchitila umboni. he is clean> if he is silent he must be up to something that is keeping him busy
Komatu MEC you could have been decisive on this issue and start building your reputation and confidence for 2019. You are dancing on the same spot and time is going jack up. Ma disciplinary anuwo and other things they should be meaningful and not just spendthrifts. Dont b emotional but factual ortherwise you will end up spending a lot of money
Sangwani left MEC for PhD studies in Korea. It is very doubtful if he is going to come back. I would also not come back to Malawi after such a qualification. I agree he was good on his job and we will miss him. he was hands on person
where is sangwani mwafulirwa. is he not part the the managers suspended? he has disappeared from the scene, what is happening to him?
Sangwani samaba ndi mwana wa kukaya. Akumanya kugwira ntchito waka, kwiba yayi, ndalama wakutola waka za salary na ma benefits genuine