By Smile Hamilton
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has maintained its decision not to move its headquarters from Lilongwe to Blantyre, despite a directive issued by former President Peter Mutharika requiring some government institutions to relocate.
MEC says its position follows concerns that the court ruling which dismissed its application to relocate the headquarters to Blantyre did not fully consider critical issues surrounding the Commission’s independence and constitutional mandate.
According to MEC, the court failed to adequately examine matters relating to its operational autonomy as well as key legal provisions governing its functions, which are central to its decision-making process.
The Commission has since indicated that it will not proceed with any relocation plans unless the matter is thoroughly reviewed and properly addressed by the courts.
Meanwhile, in a statement released to the public, MEC also disclosed that despite the Ministry of Lands refusing to continue paying rentals for the office premises it is currently occupying in Lilongwe, the Commission will remain in the building.
MEC says it will continue operating from its current headquarters while awaiting further legal clarity on
the matter.
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