By Paul Madise

Lilongwe, June 19, Mana: As the country draws closer to the September 16 polls, Malawi's political landscape continues to grapple with the resurrection of political catastrophes with most citizens expressing concerns about the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) transparency and accountability.

Recently, President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera in his capacity as conferred by Section75(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi Section4(1) of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act (Cap.2:03), having received duly considerations recommendations and from the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and major opposition party the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) appointed Richard Chapweteka, Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano and Caroline Mfune as new MEC commissioners effective from June 11, 2025.

The development has pleased some political analysts who have since commended the President Chakwera for the appointments, describing the process as a manifestation of the administration of credible, free and fair general elections.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency, Chimwemwe Tsitsi, a political analyst observed that the initiative serves as a reminder to Malawians underscoring that MEC comprises commissioners officially appointed by the president that are based on recommendations from major political parties citing MCP and DPP.

Tsitsi emphasised the crucial role the commissioners play in ensuring a credible, fair and transparent election, noting that the development enhances MEC’s resolve to conducts itself in transparency and accountability in the administration of the forthcoming September 16 general elections.

He added that having received the recommendations from MCP and DPP, the commissioners were very unlikely to advance the interests of one party, let alone the ruling party, but handle the election in a manner that is in accordance with the law governing the conduct of elections.

“Much as it is incumbent upon them to exercise independence and impartiality in conducting elections, the fact that the commissioners are drawn from different political parties, in a way shows that every side of the contest (party in government and the opposition) has someone within MEC to act as their monitor and ensure credibility of the elections,” Tsitsi said.

Another political analyst, Gift Sambo, echoed Tsitsi’s sentiments, saying the country`s electoral management body follows a model that accommodates both technocrats and party-backed politicians as commissioners; hence, the appointments do not contravene relevant provisions that regulate its composition.

“I strongly believe that these names have what it takes to enhance the credibility and reputation of our electoral management body as the country approaches the general elections,” Sambo said.

On June 16, Malawi witnessed the auspicious occasion where three new MEC Commissioners took oath of allegiance of office at the Lilongwe High Court.