Chief Justice Rizine R. Mzikamanda, SC, Monday advised three new Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners to serve with integrity for the betterment of the people.
Mzikamanda was speaking when the three commissioners took their oath of allegiance and office, with the Chief Justice urging them to serve with integrity and uphold the Constitution ahead of the country’s pivotal September elections.
The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by the Chief Justice took place today at the High Court in Lilongwe.
“These are not new roles to you, because of your integrity, experience, maturity, and impartiality, you are once again entrusted with the responsibility to serve Malawians. What you did before should not only be remembered but must continue to guide your service for the betterment of the people,” said Mzikamanda.
The commissioners namely Richard Chapweteka representing the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano, and Caroline Mfune from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were appointed by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera last week in accordance with Section 75 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, and Section 4 (1) of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act, as part of efforts to ensure adherence to Malawi’s electoral laws and democratic principles.
Commissioner Chapweteka was the first to take the oath, pledging to “truly serve Malawi without bias, fear, favour, or affection,” and to uphold the Constitution throughout his term. He was followed by Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano and Caroline Mfune in taking similar oaths.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja welcomed the trio and reminded them of their constitutional duties.
“My expectation is that these MEC commissioners will abide by the laws with integrity and impartiality, just as they have done before while remaining focused during this critical electoral period,” said Mtalimanja.
Mtalimanja also updated the public on the presidential nomination process, noting that nine aspirants have so far collected nomination papers in preparation for the upcoming general elections scheduled to take place in September this year.
