Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has named Judge Justice Annabel Mtalimanja of the High Court to chair the Malawi Elctoral Commission (MEC).
Following Chifundo Kachale’s term as MEC Chairperson, which ended on June 6, 2024, comes Justice Mtalimanja’s appointment.
Sangwani Mwafilirwa, the Director of Media and Public Relations at MEC, announced in a statement that the appointment took effect on June 7, 2024.
According to Mwafulirwa, the President has nominated two new MEC commissioners, Reverend Philip PJ Kambulire and Limbikani Kamlongera, who will succeed Anthony John Mukumbwa and Olivia Mchanju Liwewe, whose terms expire on June 6.
Reactions from non governmental organization
Chairwoman of the NGO-Gender Coordination Network Maggie Kathewera Banda applauded the appointment, stating that it indicates that the country is gradually enforcing the Gender Equality Act.
We are overjoyed, and many women find encouragement in this appointment. According to Kathewera Banda, “It demonstrates governments’ faith in women leadership in important positions.”
She adds that since their organization has been fighting for equal representation of men and women in important roles, this is also encouraging to them as a group.
Kathewera continued, “I think Justice Mtalimanja will carry out her responsibilities with diligence as she assumes the role of leading MEC.”
Yamikani Chitete, a political gender rights activist, agreed with Kathewera and expressed her happiness at the appointment.
“This is a very good development,” Chitete remarked. “If you followed Justice Mtalimanja well, you would agree that she is someone who performs her duties with due diligence and she is trustworthy.”
She stated that even if a woman will now be chairing the Commission, it is concerning that only one of the six commissioners is a woman.
“We expect the president to be gender sensitive in order to have gender balance in positions where he has the prerogative to choose people,” Chitete stated.
Malawi Electoral Commission Act
In compliance with both section 4 of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act and section 75 of the constitution, President Lazarus Chakwera has appointed the three.
