Malawi pollster commissioners’ term expires May: Mbendera urges quick reappointment

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners’ term of office expires in May and Chairperson Maxon Mbendera has since made a silent campaign for reappointment.

Mbendera said on Monday the commissioners, including himself were available for reappointment for another five year term.

“The law provides that we can be reappointed,” said the Supreme Court judge.

“The commissioners are available should the government decide to reappoint them for another term but this should be done as soon as possible so that preparations for the 2019 elections starts,” said Mbendera.

He said even if the commissioners are not reappointed, the appointing authority should appoint new commissioners as soon as they can to give them ample time to prepare for the 2019 election on time.

An audit report a few months ago showed financial mess at the commission with some officials forced to go on leave and others interdicted.

The commissioners also hit headlines last year when they were demanding hefty salary increases and allowances.

There were also a lot of irregularities and maladministration in the 2014 general election with some ballot papers strewn in streets among others.

Mbendera said a by-election which was scheduled to be held in May in Mchinji West has been put on hold.

He said the commission wanted to hold the office before they exit office but the government has indicated it has no money to fund the by election in excess of over K200 million.

Mchinji West fell vacant following the sudden death of its MP Billy Kanjira Banda.