DPP says no to Mpesi as Chief Elections Officer

BLANTYRE – The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has urged the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to rescind its decision of appointing Andrew Mpesi as the Chief Elections Officer as a way of ensuring that the independence of the commission is not compromised.

This has been addressed in a statement released by the party signed by its Director of Legal Affairs Charles Mhango, dated September 2nd, 2022.

According to Mhango, the DPP is dismayed with and disapproves the decision of the Electoral Commission (MEC) to appoint Andrew Mpesi as Chief Elections Officer.

It is said that Mpesi is a supporter of President Lazarus Chakwera and a cadre of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) on the other hand.

Section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act in Malawi demands that every individual member and employee of the Commission shall perform the functions and exercise powers of the Commission independent of the direction or influence of person whosoever or organization whatsoever.

“If Malawi is to have fair, transparent and Independent electoral processes, the Commission should ensure that it employs only individuals that will guarantee the existing independence of the Commission and sustain the trust of all participating electoral stakeholders in Malawi,” Mhango said.

He added that the DPP has shared with the commission and other international organizations, the trail of public and private utterances by Mpesi in which he is clearly defending the political interest of President Chakwera

DPP said the utterances amplify fears that Mpesi has the potential to help rig the next elections in favour of the incumbent and the MCP.