A Malawi24 investigation has revealed that the current Executive Committee of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) is operating illegally, having overstayed its mandated term of office by three years.
According to internal PAC documents and information obtained by this publication, the current executive members were elected in 2019 with a constitutional mandate to serve a three-year term.
However, despite the term expiring in 2022, the same group continues to hold office without a new election or a formal extension.
The revelations raise serious concerns about governance and accountability within one of Malawi’s most respected and influential civil society institutions.
PAC, which has historically positioned itself as a moral watchdog and advocate for democratic governance, has often demanded accountability and transparency from the government and other public institutions.
The current situation, however, presents a stark contradiction between PAC’s public stance and its internal operations.
Critics argue that PAC is undermining its credibility by failing to conduct timely elections and abide by its constitution. “They demand good governance from others but are not practising it themselves. This is hypocrisy at its highest,” said a source close to PAC, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Efforts to obtain a comment from PAC Chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale were unsuccessful, as his phone went unanswered. Similarly, the PAC Secretariat did not respond to written questions by press time.
The delay in holding elections is reportedly due to internal disagreements and logistical constraints, but observers say that is no excuse for bypassing constitutional processes.
Governance and legal experts have weighed in on the issue, warning that PAC risks losing its legitimacy and moral authority if it does not urgently resolve the leadership vacuum. “An organisation that champions the rule of law must not be seen flouting it. This needs to be addressed immediately,” said one legal analyst.
Founded in 1992, PAC is a quasi-religious body comprising representatives from various faith groups in Malawi. It played a crucial role in the country’s transition to multi-party democracy and remains a key stakeholder in national affairs.
With its executive operating beyond its mandate, pressure is now mounting on PAC to uphold the very principles it demands from others transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional order.
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