Expert advises Chakwera on Commissioners re-appointment

Legal expert has urged President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to take heed of attorney general’s views on the re-appointment of two Malawi Electoral Commission MEC Commissioners.

This comes a day after MEC Chairperson Dr Chifundo Kachale told journalists that Linda Kunje and Jean Mathanga will be part of the team to conduct the March 30 by elections.

The development also comes against the background that Public Appointments Committee of parliament recommended to president Chakwera not to reinstate the two commissioners.

Speaking to radio Islam, legal expert professor Edge Kanyongolo said the issue is complex since the appointment involved two presidents who are the incumbent Chakwera and former president peter mutharika.

Kanyongolo however is of the view that “seeking courts intervention on the matter might have huge consequences if government loses the case having in mind that the attorney general advised the leadership.”

Meanwhile, political scientist Ernest Thindwa is of the view that Chakwera should seek a judicial review to end the stalemate.

According to Thindwa, the former president peter Muthalika pursued his interest ahead of national interest when he hired Kunje and Mathanga despite PAC found them incompetent

MEC is expected to conduct by elections within 60 days in the constituencies and wards that fell vacant due to court ruling and death.