Malawi president withholds assenting electoral bills, rejects firing MEC

President Professor Peter Mutharika has withheld assenting to four electoral reforms bills and rejected to fire commissioners of Malawi Electoral Commission.

Presidential press secretary Mgeme Kalirani has revealed this during a press briefing organized by the state house in Blantyre.

Reading the statement Kalirani said the bills are in conflict with the constitution.

“The bills do not meet test of constitutionality, therefore president Mutharika has not assented to the bills,” Mgeme said

Then he said Mutharika has not accepted recommendations of Public Appointments committee of parliament to fire MEC commissioners saying its findings on their competence are questionable and laughable.

Kalirani said the president will return the bills to speaker of parliament.

Commenting law expert Osman Kennedy said the president’s action is within the law.

In a separate interview political scientist Ernest Thindwa who is Chancellor College lecturer said said president’s decision is not in the interest of Malawians.

“Mutharika has not considered the political situation saying his decision can fuel anger among Malawians,” Thindwa says

He said withholding the bills clearly mean is not set for the fresh presidential polls.