Some police officers in Thyolo who provided security during the just-ended General Elections have expressed frustration over delays by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to pay their allowances.

The officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said their colleagues who worked in tally centres have already received their payments, leaving out those who were deployed to polling centres.

One of the concerned officers described the situation as “disheartening,” saying they had planned to use the money to address urgent needs.

“We risked our lives and worked long hours to ensure the elections went smoothly. It is painful that up to now we haven’t been paid, especially when others have already received their dues,” said one officer.

Another added that the delay has affected their personal plans.

“Some of us wanted to use the money to pay school fees for our children. We just hope MEC will honour its promise soon,” the officer said.

The officers have since appealed to the electoral body to expedite the payment process.

However, MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, has assured the concerned officers that the commission is working to resolve the issue.

“We are processing the payments; it’s just that we have a high volume of records to go through. They should have the assurance that they will be paid,” said Mwafulirwa.

He added that while the commission cannot specify the exact date for payment, settling the allowances remains “a priority task.”

The Malawi Electoral Commission engaged hundreds of police officers across the country to provide security during the electoral process, which was widely commended for being peaceful.

Meanwhile, some teachers have in the district including other in Mulanje havealso voiced similar concerns.