By Mayamiko Mwikhoma

University of Malawi (UNIMA)-based political analyst Ernest Thindwa has called for a review of the process of appointing Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson to strengthen the commission’s independence and objectivity.

Speaking to YFM ahead of the national conference on the post-election review of the 2025 general elections, scheduled for 20 August 2026 in Lilongwe, Thindwa said the power to appoint MEC chairperson should be removed from the President.

He argued that the President is often a candidate and an interested party in elections, creating potential concerns when the same office appoints the person responsible for overseeing the electoral process.

Thindwa said such an arrangement could undermine public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the electoral commission.

He also called for a review of political party financing, saying the current system could fuel corruption, which may eventually infiltrate the electoral process.

However, Thindwa acknowledged that Malawi has made significant progress in electoral integrity, noting that the country’s electoral processes are now relatively well rated both locally and internationally.

According to Thindwa, recent assessments have placed Malawi’s electoral integrity score at 69, up from 34 before 2019.

He attributed the improvement to electoral reforms implemented since 2020 following the nullification of the 2019 presidential election results.