Mbendera proposes electoral tribunal in Malawi

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Maxon Mbendera has called for establishment of an electoral tribunal on dispute resolution among electoral stakeholders in the country , saying the absence of such tribunals puts the Commission, political parties and its members in an awkward position.

Mbendera ( 2nd from left) flanked by MEC Commissioners
Mbendera ( 2nd from left) flanked by MEC Commissioners

“Elections are a struggle and race to get power and disputes are bound to occur,” said Mbendera in Blantyre on Monday at Hotel Victoria.

He was speaking when he opened a five day training on Electoral Dispute Resolution based on the Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) curriculum for MEC commissioners and staff and political party secretary generals.

Mbendera sais in other countries like Kenya, they have a tribunal on dispute resolution that is mandated to look into disputes among electoral stakeholders .

“In Malawi we do not have such a such a tribunal and when disputes arose between political parties and the Commission, the Commission arbitrates as it is mandated so by the law. When there are disputes between political parties, often times they seek solace in the courts and the media.

“When there are disputes between political parties and members, we rely on the internal party mechanism to sort them out, if not then the courts,” said Mbendera.

He therefore thanked the African Union Commission for financially supporting the workshop which he said will help MEC build its capacity on crosscutting issues in the electoral process.

“This training is very important as it will contribute to the preparedness for the 2019 elections. I am also delighted at the unique combination of international capacities that MEC is proud to provide to its Commissioners, management and stakeholders,” Mbendera said.

The Head, African Union Southern Region Office African Union Commission Dr. Salif Sada Sall said the trainings were a clear indication of African Union’s continued engagement in Malawi, particularly at the technical level to ensure that MEC continuously improves its capacity to manage elections.

“As you know, the African Union, together with other international organisations, observed the elections here in Malawi in 2014 and at the end of the mission made a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the electoral process. It is important that most of those recommendations be implemented before the next elections,” Sall said.

The theme of the training is “Election Dispute Resolution.”

The training also seeks to improve team building and strong partnership between the MEC and political parties in Malawi towards building a peaceful and stable democratic society.

BRIDGE is a joint project of International IDEA, IFES, the Australian Electoral Commission, the UN Electoral Assistance Division and UNDP.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
21 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
uladi
uladi
8 years ago

cashgate was better than Mbendera

nyau dancer
8 years ago

Mbendela you are a shame to this nation. Just keep your mouth shut.

Mulukhu
Mulukhu
8 years ago

Mbendela u av carried flag of MEC.don’t b shaken baba Zidya pyako dinyelo anangowa amapiziwayaui.

Biswel
Biswel
8 years ago

Ihate ths devil idnt wnt evn to hear his name

Kaziulika Chimugonda
Kaziulika Chimugonda
8 years ago

Tribunal are not a solution to electoralproblems in Malawi. The solution to electoral prolems in Malawi is disolution of MEC. The proposal of a tribunal is a revelation that 2019 will be very sophiscated in terms of rigging.

Okay?
Okay?
8 years ago

If you think DPP rigged elections while in opposition, what message are you giving us for the 2019 elections? Mudzaiona game inu a opposition? DPP woyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Trad
Trad
8 years ago

Mbendera facilitated vote rigging and now the same Mbendera talks of a Tribunal!!! WHy can’t you step aside as you are the main problem at MEC!!!

Masharubu
Masharubu
8 years ago

The fact that Mbendera still holds the position of MEC Chairperson speaks volumes about the tolerance levels of Malawians. Otherwise, if there was a prize to be awarded for being the Most Hated Personality in Malawi, Mbendera would be the “Undisputed Champion”.

Zanga Phee!
Zanga Phee!
8 years ago

Mr Mbendera seem to shaken this guy got stories,i think he need prayers and some fasting for him to review what he got for the nation.See my name.

Yamikani
Yamikani
8 years ago

Mr. Mbendera, please pave way for better Managers by resigning.
You are total disgrace and unfit for that job.
You have failed this country big time.

Read previous post:
Of Judge Mtambo’s refusal to recuse himself in Mphwiyo shooting case: Law-journal column on Nyasa Times

Th doctrine of judicial recusal states that a judge may recuse himself from proceedings if he decides that it is...

Close