Malawi Electoral Commission warns on purchases that lack transparency, accountability

Pollster, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has sternly warned the law will take its course against those who make purchases that lack transparency and accountability.

MEC commissioner Benard Malango made the warning at a meeting in Lilongwe as the electoral body prepares for by-elections in Lilongwe and Mchinji next month.

“You need to be prudent, there should be quotations on every purchase,” said Malango, a retired arch bishop of the Anglican Church.

Recently, MEC has been rocked with mismanagement of both the tax payer and donor money which saw the chief executive officer Willie Kalonga operating a secret account at Malawi Savings Bank.

There were also dubious purchases at MEC which led the chief accountant being sent on forced leave.

Malango said his organisation is now strict on purchases, urging those involved in the buying of poll materials should know the rules first before any purchase is done.

“We need to know how to procure poll materials, materials should be genuine, we need to know how much it will cost,” said Malango.

He was upbeat the by-elections will go on smoothly but warned stakeholders not to relax but instead work hard to make the by-elections a success.

The opposition Malawi Congress Party will battle it out with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party which seeking more parliamentary seats to its side.

The central region is regarded as the stronghold of the MCP.