Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament has started interviewing six candidates shortlisted for the position of commissioner of the Independent Complaints Commission (ICC) in the Judiciary.
In an interview on Tuesday, committee vice-chairperson Joshua Malango confirmed that the six legal professionals were short-listed from 23 applicants.
He said four of the six candidates attended yesterday’s interviews while another was unavailable and will appear before the committee for scrutiny at a later date.
“However, the sixth individual did not turn up, so we are not sure whether he has withdrawn or something has transpired,” said Malango who declined to disclose the interviewees’ identities.
The appointment process is being closely watched by various stakeholders seeking effective implementation of the reforms intended to strengthen oversight within the country’s judicial system.
Malawi Law Society (MLS), which has been advocating implementation of judicial reform laws, has welcomed progress made in the recruitment of the commission’s leadership.
MLS chairperson Davis Njobvu said the interviews demonstrated progress towards implementing the reforms, which are intended to strengthen accountability and improve public confidence in the administration of justice.
It has been two years since the enactment of the judicial reform laws, which include the Judicial Service Administration Act, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Courts (Amendment) Bill 2024.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said they expected the interviews to be transparent, rigorous and focused on identifying a commissioner with integrity, independence and competence.
“Given the public concerns about how some judicial officers operate, the process should inspire public confidence that complaints will be handled fairly, impartially and without fear or favour,” he said.
The Judiciary ICC was established under the Judicial Service Administration Act 2024 to receive and investigate complaints lodged by members of the public or any authority against judicial officers.
