By Jones Gadama
Human rights advocate and chairperson of the Concerned Citizens of Malawi, Edwards Kambanje, has thrown his weight behind President Peter Mutharika’s executive order directing the Malawi Electoral Commission to relocate from rented offices in Lilongwe to its permanent buildings in Blantyre.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Kambanje, who also leads the People Power Movement and serves as Executive Director of Consumer Protection Unity Corps, said the decision balances two important principles: constitutional independence and public accountability.
He praised MEC as a critical institution that must remain free in handling electoral operations, voter registration, delimitation, and results management. That independence, he noted, is clearly protected by Malawi’s Constitution and must never be compromised.
However, Kambanje was quick to stress that independence does not mean isolation. “Independence does not make MEC exist outside the state,” he said.
He argued that the Commission remains a public institution funded by taxpayers, housed in government infrastructure, and therefore subject to lawful administrative directives such as the location of its offices. For him, complying with the President’s order would be a clear demonstration of respect for the rule of law.
His stance follows a recent High Court ruling that dismissed MEC’s application challenging the executive order. Kambanje said the court decision settled the legal debate and left the Commission with no excuse but to obey.
He urged MEC to move quickly, pointing out that the southern region is just as much Malawi as the central region.
The rights defender also highlighted the financial angle. He said MEC is currently spending public money on rent in Lilongwe while it already owns buildings in Blantyre.
Relocating, he argued, would cut costs and redirect those funds to service delivery.
Kambanje, known for consistently standing up for Malawians and protecting human rights, said his view reflects what most citizens want. “This is my opinion and the opinion of most Malawians,” he concluded. He called on all leaders and institutions to put the law and public interest first.
