By Burnett Munthali
President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s order to relocate the headquarters of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from Lilongwe to Blantyre may take time to implement as no funds for the move have been included in the commission’s 2026/2027 financial year budget.
This was revealed yesterday when MEC officials appeared before Parliament’s Commission, Statutory Authorities and Public Appointments Cluster at Parliament building in Lilongwe.
MEC officials told the committee that the commission’s 2026-2027 budget prioritized activities including by-elections, a post-mortem of the 2025 general election, and the review of voter registration centers.
However, some members of the cluster, including Lilongwe City North lawmaker Nancy Tembo, questioned why the commission had not indicated the cost of relocating its headquarters and implementing associated construction projects, including new MEC offices.
The committee’s concerns highlight the challenges MEC faces in implementing the presidential directive, with funding being a major obstacle.
MEC’s budget constraints are likely to delay the relocation process, with the commission facing competing priorities and limited resources.
The relocation plan, which was ordered by President Mutharika, has sparked debate, with some questioning the rationale behind the move and its impact on the commission’s operations.
MEC officials are expected to provide more details on the relocation plan and its costs in the coming days, as the commission navigates the challenges of implementing the presidential directive.
