Malawi parties awaiting govt on MEC commissioners appointment

President Peter Mutharika is yet to consult political parties represented in parliament on the appointment of pollster Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Jessie Kabwila said the President is yet to contact the party on the appointment of the commissioners.

The current crop of commissioners leaves office on May 17, 2016.

“We are just waiting to be consulted so that we give the names,” said Kabwila.

The law provides that the President consults political parties represented in parliament and their numbers on the MEC sitting depends on the numbers of members of parliament.

United Democratic Front (UDF) spokesperson Ken Ndanga said the party has names for the commissioners and it is just awaiting communication from the government.

Peoples Party spokesperson Ken Msonda also hinted the party is ready with the names and would submit them once the government contacts the former ruling party.

Government spokesperson Patricia Kaliati said consultations on the issue are underway.

President Mutharika said a new set of MEC commissioners will be in office by May 17.