By Burnett Munthali
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chief Elections Officer, Andrew Mpesi, is facing mounting public pressure to resign following allegations of unprofessional and partisan conduct during a recent engagement meeting with concerned citizens.
Edwards Kambanje, writing on behalf of the concerned citizens, has addressed a formal letter to MEC demanding Mr. Mpesi’s resignation, citing behavior that he claims renders Mpesi unfit to oversee any future electoral processes in Malawi.
According to the letter, dated Tuesday, 2nd June 2025, Mr. Mpesi reportedly lost his composure during a public dialogue between MEC officials and the concerned citizens. Rather than fostering constructive conversation, he is said to have raised his voice and shouted at participants, demonstrating a lack of emotional restraint and professional conduct.
More disturbingly, Mpesi allegedly banged on tables with clenched fists in a display of aggression, escalating what was intended to be a peaceful and democratic exchange.
The letter further accuses Mr. Mpesi of exhibiting partisan tendencies—refusing to accommodate opposing views and reacting harshly to criticism. In a move described as authoritarian and intimidating, Mpesi allegedly summoned security personnel to forcibly remove the concerned citizens from the meeting, despite their peaceful approach.
Such actions have raised serious concerns about Mpesi’s impartiality, temperament, and commitment to democratic values—qualities essential for anyone entrusted with overseeing elections in a constitutional democracy.
Kambanje and fellow concerned citizens argue that Mpesi’s behavior not only reflects a failure of leadership but also erodes public confidence in MEC’s neutrality and professionalism.
“The office of the Chief Elections Officer is not merely administrative—it represents the country’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and fair electoral governance,” the letter reads. “When the holder of that office behaves erratically and with clear bias, the credibility of the entire institution is called into question.”
Kambanje has therefore called on the Commission to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process over individual loyalty or political alignment. He urges MEC to remove Mr. Mpesi from office without delay.
With national elections on the horizon, the integrity and public trust in MEC must remain intact. That trust, Kambanje asserts, cannot be maintained if the institution is led by individuals who lack the maturity and fairness required to engage constructively with the public.
As the nation awaits MEC’s official response, the public outcry continues to grow—and the demand for Mpesi’s resignation shows no signs of fading.
