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Civil Society Alliance Weighs In On Judge Bribing Expose'

Moses Mkandawire: There's need for independent monitoring of the process Moses Mkandawire: There's need for independent monitoring of the process File Photo

The consortium Against Organized and Serious Crimes has written the ACB demanding swift arrest of the two people implicated in attempts to bribe the five judges who have been hearing the presidential election case in Constitutional Court.

In a statement issued this week, the consortium has also demanded that ACB should appoint an external monitor into the investigation to ascertain transparency in the manner the matter shall be handled as a way of maintaining public trust in the bureau.

“We appreciate that the nature of the case is highly sensitive. We encourage you to make every effort to deal with the allegation effectively and transparently, with any parties found responsible being held to account for their actions….

“We call on the ACB to appoint an external monitor to the process from outside Malawi who can also act as a liaison to civil society organizations and bolster trust with the general public,” reads part of the statement.

In an interview later, chairperson of the consortium, Moses Mkandawire, said his organization was ready to suggest or make available people of impeccable integrity from abroad who would come to help with the monitoring of the investigations.

But during a press conference held at the ACB head office in Lilongwe Tuesday, ACB Director General, Reyneck Matemba, observed that the bureau is expected to operate as per the dictations of the Corrupt Practices Act which has no such provision.

“The bureau operates according to the law. Nothing else outside this. This was done in 1985 when I was only going to Chancellor College (to study law),” he said.

 

The Alliance against Serious and Organized Corruption is a civil society partnership of the Church and Society program of the Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP, Youth and Society, Malawi Law Society and Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation CHRR. It aims to fight grand corruption that could have effect on the country.

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