By Rahim Abdul
The human rights advocacy group Citizens for Justice and Equity has questioned the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) over its failure to conduct leadership elections since 2019, a development it says raises concerns about accountability within the organization.
The group’s executive director, Agape Khombe, said the current PAC leadership under Monsignor Patrick Thawale was elected in December 2019 and was expected to serve a three-year term before fresh elections were held.
According to Khombe, the next election should have taken place in 2022, making the continued stay of the current office bearers a matter that deserves public explanation.
He argued that the delay has created uncertainty about how the organization operates, particularly because PAC has often positioned itself as a voice on governance and democratic principles in Malawi.
Khombe further claimed that PAC has become less visible on issues affecting ordinary Malawians despite the country facing numerous economic and social challenges.
He said the organization should be taking a more active role in speaking out on matters that directly impact citizens rather than remaining silent.
As an example, Khombe pointed to concerns surrounding this year’s tobacco marketing season, where some farmers have expressed dissatisfaction with the returns from their produce.
He maintained that an active PAC would have engaged stakeholders or publicly commented on issues affecting tobacco growers and other vulnerable groups.
The rights advocate said the organization’s silence on such matters has prompted questions about whether it is effectively fulfilling its watchdog role.
Meanwhile, efforts by 247 Malawi News to obtain a response from PAC officials were unsuccessful, as the organization’s leadership could not be reached for comment before publication.
