Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has refused to relocate its headquarters from Lilongwe to Blantyre and has opted to stay put at Chisankho House in the capital city while pursuing further legal redress on President Peter Mutharika’s directive.
In a statement yesterday, the electoral body said it will maintain its operations in Lilongwe pending a conclusive determination of constitutional issues surrounding the relocation order.
“MEC has resolved that the issues, being constitutional in nature, must be properly and definitively determined by the Court,” the commission said, adding it is taking further legal steps to settle the matter.
The decision follows a recent High Court of Malawi ruling that dismissed MEC’s application for judicial review of Executive Order No. 1 based on procedural grounds, without addressing the substantive constitutional questions raised.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has informed MEC that it will not renew the lease agreement for Chisankho House, but the electoral body has insisted that it will remain in the premises to ensure operational continuity and safeguard its independence.
The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), which is handling the matter, confirmed it is reviewing MEC’s position.
In an interview yesterday, OPC spokesperson Focus Maganga said consultations are ongoing and a final decision will be announced soon.
The standoff has sparked concern among governance stakeholders.
Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said while MEC is justified in seeking legal clarity, prolonged uncertainty risks undermining public confidence.
But in a separate interview, University of Malawi law lecturer Bernadette Malunga has faulted the Executive order, describing it as unlawful interference.
The controversy stems from an October directive by the President ordering the relocation of selected government agencies, including MEC to Blantyre and Zomba to promote administrative balance.
