Malawi News

Chakwera names Mtalimanja MEC Chair

Chakwera names Mtalimanja MEC Chair

President Lazarus Chakwera has appointed Justice Annabel Mtalimanja as new Chairperson for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

Mtalimanja replaces Justice Dr Chifundo Kachale whose tenure ended on June 6 2024.

Mtalimanja: To lead MEC.

The other appointments are Rev. Phillip P.J. Kambulire and Dr. Limbikani Kamlongera who are coming in as Commissioners replacing Dr. Anthony John Mukumbwa and Olivia Mchaju Liwewe respectively.

In a statement signed by Director of Communication for MEC Sangwani Mwafulirwa the appointments, are effective June 7, 2024.

Mwafulirwa added that MEC looks forward to working with the new Chairperson and Commissioners to deliver on its mandate of conducting free, fair, and credible elections in Malawi.

Meanwhile, Human rights activists have commended President Chakwera for appointing Justice Annabel Mtalimanja arguing that this is key in women in the country.

Speaking to MIJ Online, Maggie Kathewera Banda, Chairperson for NGO Gender Coordination Network, praised the President’s decision, saying it is a positive step towards promoting gender equality in key positions such as the MEC.

Banda urged the government and stakeholders to support Mtalimanja in her new role.

Meanwhile, Michael Kayiyatsa, Vice Chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), has also commended Chakwera, expressing hope that Mtalimanja will perform well and deliver credible elections in 2025, a year in which Malawi will hold presidential and parliamentary elections.