After failing to convince the courts why it should not comply with President Peter Mutharika’s executive directive ordering the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to relocate to its offices in Blantyre, MEC leadership has moved ahead with a controversial new lease agreement in Lilongwe.
MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, alongside MEC Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi and commissioners aligned with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), have reportedly passed a resolution authorizing the renewal of a lease for the Njewa Warehouse in Lilongwe.
The decision comes despite MEC’s office complex in Blantyre reportedly remaining idle.
Under the new agreement, monthly rental payments for the warehouse have been increased from K38 million to K62 million effective 1 April 2026 — representing an increase of over 63 percent.
The new lease effectively commits government to significantly higher rental costs without a clear explanation or justification for maintaining operations in Lilongwe while the Blantyre facilities remain unused.
Critics argue that the move raises serious questions about MEC’s commitment to complying with lawful directives and court determinations regarding the relocation matter.
Only Justice Mtalimanja and her team, accused by critics of sympathizing with the ruling MCP, can explain why the commission continues to resist relocating to Blantyre despite mounting public concern.
The court had earlier ruled that MEC must comply with the relocation directive, further intensifying scrutiny over the commission’s latest decision.
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