Attorney General advises MEC Commissioners to discontinue work

Attorney General Chikosa Silungwe has written Malawi Electoral Commission advising commissioners not to discharge their duties following the removal of Linda Kunje and Jean Mathanga.

In a letter, Silungwe says the removal of the commissioners means there is no electoral commission, as section 75 subsection 1 of the constitution says the electoral commission shall consist of chairman and not less than  six commissioners.

Speaking to radio Islam, whilst confirming writing the letter, Silungwe however said, the document has been leaked.

In the leaked letter, Silungwe has further advised that “the commissioners will re start their duties until the appointment of new commissioners.”

As such Malawi Electoral commission has suspended its activities following the attorney general’s advice

Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party has applied for judicial review at High court in Lilongwe on the rescission of the commissioners and demarcation of constituencies’ boundaries

There has been controversy over the re-appointment and confirmation of Commissioners Kunje and Mathanga who were found incompetent by Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts and Public Affairs Committee.

The two were appointed by former president Peter Mutharika and President Dr Lazarus Chakwera did not confirm their appointment.