New MEC chair tipped to learn from Kachale
Electoral stakeholders have urged High Court of Malawi Judge Annabel Mtalimanja, the new Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson, to emulate her predecessor by fairly managing the September 16 2025 General Elections.
The stakeholders were reacting to her appointment by President Lazarus Chakwera on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission to replace Judge Chifundo Kachale whose four-year tenure ended on June 6 2024 alongside that of commissioners Anthony Mukumbwa and Olivia Liwewe.
In general, the stakeholders said Kachale was impartial, calm, diligent, approachable and engaged them throughout the electoral process during the court-sanctioned Fresh Presidential Election held on June 23 2020 which he managed barely two weeks after his appointment.
UTM Party spokesperson Felix Njawala, speaking in an interview, said they expect Mtalimanja to uphold principles of fairness, integrity and transparency in the discharge of her duties.
He said: “We expect the new chairperson to uphold the principles of fairness, integrity and transparency in all electoral processes. It is crucial for her to be impartial and to build on the foundation laid by her predecessor.
“We also advise her to learn from historical precedents to navigate any challenges she may face, ensuring the credibility and smooth conduct of future elections.”
In a separate interview, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma said the new team of commissioners was well-balanced in terms of gender as well as geographic and political affiliations.
“We are excited to note that a well-qualified female judge will now head the commission. As a party, we look forward to working with this new, well-balanced team,” he said.
United Democratic Front (UDF) spokesperson Yusuf Mwawa said his party expects Mtalimanja to carry her duties without aiding any political party.
However, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the party has no position on the new appointees.
On his part, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace national coordinator Boniface Chibwana urged Mtalimanja to move with speed in executing MEC’s Plan of Action and Strategic Plan in a consultative manner.
“The new chairperson needs to fast track the accreditation process so that issues of civic engagement can start in earnest,” he said.
In a statement yesterday, National Advocacy Platform national coordinator Benedicto Kondowe said the exemplary conduct set by Kachale should serve as a strong foundation for Mtalimanja and her team.
Meanwhile, Kachale has expressed satisfaction with the work his team of commissioners and secretariat did, and is confident in the new chairperson. However, he said the job was difficult.
He said: “My plea is that stakeholders and everybody should give them the opportunity and the goodwill that our team received and enjoyed.
“It is a very difficult job, but I do believe that they have what it takes to do this to the satisfaction of the people of Malawi.”
Besides Mtalimanja, Chakwera has also appointed two MEC commissioners, namely the Reverend Phillip Kambulire, moderator of Nsungwi CCAP Congregation in Area 25, Lilongwe under CCAP Nkhoma Synod and Limbikani Kamlongera, an education and media professional who is Girls’ Education Trust executive director.
The duo has joined commissioners Emmanuel Fabiano, Francis Kasaila, Caroline Mfune and Richard Chapweteka.
According to a 2021 Annual Malawi Judiciary report, Mtalimanja was born on July 26 1976 and was appointed judge of the High Court on June 19 2013. She holds a bachelor of laws (Hons) degree from the University of Malawi (1999) and a master of laws degree from the University of Melbourne, Australia (2005).
She has been a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London since 2021.
Before joining the Judiciary, she worked in the Ministry of Justice as senior State advocate, senior assistant chief State advocate, legislative draftsperson and administrator general.
