President Peter Mutharika has refused to assent to the electoral reforms bills which Parliament passed in February this year.

Presidential Press Officer Mgeme Kalilani made the announcement at a press briefing in Blantyre.

According to Mutharika, the bills are unlawful and unconstitutional.

“The President is duty bound to critically scrutinize each of the provisions in the bills and grant his assent where it is desired,” he said.

“Most importantly the President considers whether the provisions of the bills do not conflict with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic or with other laws.

Mutharika, has also refused to fire MEC Commissioners including its Chairperson, Jane Ansah claiming the recommendations by the Public Appointment Committee of Parliament are “laughable”.

Reacting to the development, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) which has been pushing for the bills to be assented to said it is not surprised that the president has rejected the bills.

HRDC member Luke Tembo told YFM that ever since the bills were passed in parliament, the president has been playing delay tactics.

He has however said that the coalition will strategize on a way forward.