Non-Governmental Organisation- Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) has hailed Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja for demonstrating strong leadership in elections management, saying it speaks volumes on women’s capability when given a chance.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NGO-GCN chairperson Maggie Kathewera-Banda said Mtalimanja’s achievement resonates beyond the ballot box and is reflecting a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and resilience that inspires women and girls across Malawi.
She said: “Navigating a process fraught with doubts about her capabilities and perceived electoral challenges, she has demonstrated that transformative leadership by women is not only possible but can deliver results of the highest standard.”
Kathewera-Banda, who is also the Women’s Manifesto Movement coordinator, has since called on all Malawians to support women leaders and recognise the value they bring to governance, development, and inclusive progress.
She also urged appointing authorities to prioritise women as leaders across government and public institutions, to reflect a diverse society and strengthen decision-making.
In an inter view yesterday, governance expert Moses Mkandawire said Mtalimanja has shown that women of her calibre can deliver at such high level.
He described the MEC chairperson as a model to others, especially young women who are assuming leadership positions in various sectors.
Said Mkandawire: “Management and administration of elections is not an easy task. It really requires high level of maturity, patience, intellectual sophistication as well as special skills and a cultural consciousness of an individual.”
Malawi went to the ballot on September 16 for presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, in which Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential torchbearer Peter Mutharika emerged winner. Outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera and other presidential candidates conceded defeat before MEC declared Mutharika winner of the presidential election.
MEC is yet to officially announce results of the parliamentary and local government elections.
