By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Electoral Commission has confirmed that its warehouse in Njewa, Lilongwe, has been sealed by a court order over outstanding rental obligations.
In a statement issued on 15th July 2026, MEC Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the Commission received the court order following the expiry of the lease agreement for the premises on 31st March 2026 and failure to renew it.
“The Malawi Electoral Commission wishes to inform the public that it has been served with a Court Order restraining access to its Warehouse located at Njewa in Lilongwe, over outstanding rental obligations arising from the expiry of the lease agreement for the premises and non-renewal of the same,” the statement reads.
According to MEC, negotiations for renewal of the lease were concluded before the expiry date.
However, the Commission says it could not proceed to sign because it was awaiting government approval.
“However, in compliance with the Government’s expenditure control measures as announced in February 2026, the Commission sought the requisite Government approval before executing the Lease. Accordingly, the Commission submitted a request seeking authorisation to renew the Lease.
To date, the Commission is yet to receive a response from the Government,” Mwafulirwa stated.
MEC further explained that it has continued to occupy the warehouse as a tenant holding over while waiting for the approval.
“Owing to the prolonged approval process, the Commission has continued occupying the Warehouse as a tenant holding over while awaiting Government authorisation to execute the Lease and settle the attendant rental obligations,” the statement said.
The Commission said it is currently engaging relevant government authorities and the landlord to resolve the matter.
“The Commission is actively engaging the relevant Government authorities and the Landlord with a view to resolving the outstanding administrative processes and regularising the lease arrangement as soon as possible.
The Commission is optimistic that the matter will be resolved amicably and expeditiously,” it said.
MEC also assured stakeholders that it remains committed to its mandate.
“The Malawi Electoral Commission wishes to assure all stakeholders and the public that it remains committed to safeguarding public assets and continues to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities in accordance with the law,” the statement concluded.
The Njewa warehouse is one of MEC’s key storage facilities in the Central Region.
