Three new commissioners of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) yesterday took their respective oaths of office with a call from Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda for them to serve with integrity.
Speaking after the trio took their oath of allegiance and office, he said they should uphold the Constitution ahead of the September 16 General Election.
“These are not new roles to you. Due to your integrity, experience, maturity and impartiality, you are once again entrusted with the responsibility to serve Malawians. What you did before should not only be remembered, but must continue to guide your service for the betterment of the people,” said Mzikamanda who presided over the swearing-in ceremony at the High Court in Lilongwe.
The commissioners are Richard Chapweteka representing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Emmanuel Fabiano alongside Caroline Mfune from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
President Lazarus Chakwera last week reappointed the trio on recommendation from their respective parties in accordance with Section 75 (1) of the Constitution and Section 4 (1) of the MEC Act.
Chapweteka was the first to take the oath, pledging to “truly serve Malawi without bias, fear, favour, or affection” and to uphold the Constitution throughout his term.
He was followed by Fabiano and Mfune who made similar pledges.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency, MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja welcomed the trio and reminded them of their constitutional duties.
“My expectation is that these MEC commissioners will abide by the laws with integrity and impartiality, just as they have done before while remaining focused during this critical electoral period,” she said.
Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, also updated the public on the presidential nomination process, noting that nine aspirants have so far collected nomination papers in preparation for the upcoming general election.
