MEC to suspend by-elections if commissioners’ names submission delays-Chair
Malawi Electoral Commission MEC has said by-elections set for 29th June will have to be considered suspended if the submission of names to be considered for appointment as commissioners is not done with 7 days which were ordered by the court
Chairman of the commission Dr Chifundo Kachale says if that matter is not resolved in a timely manner their capacity to determine electoral complaints and results of the by-elections will be legally impaired
Kachale says following the judgment of the court in the judicial review case which Malawi Electoral Commission sued former president Peter Mutharika members of the commission have been reduced to three
“This is less than the minimum number required by the constitution,” Kachale
The MEC chair adds that the implication of the court decision is that the remaining members of the electoral commission no longer have the authority to make binding decisions, resolutions or determinations
However he said they will continue to implement and supervise current activities based on decisions and resolutions made and passed before the judgment
Kachale states that all administrative matters shall be implemented under office of chief elections officer
