Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda has urged Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners to remain impartial in the execution of their duties to uphold the integrity of the upcoming elections scheduled for 16 September.

He made the remarks on Monday in Lilongwe where he presided over the swearing-in of three commissioners; Richard Chapweteka, Emmanuel Fabiano and Caroline Mfune, whose terms had expired earlier this month but were reappointed by President Lazarus Chakwera last week.

Chief Justice Mzikamanda emphasized the crucial role the commissioners play in safeguarding Malawi’s democratic values and urged them to serve with integrity, professionalism, and competence as the country approaches the polls.

Said Mzikamanda, "your reappointment is a sign of the confidence placed in you, therefore it is important that you remain impartial and maintain public trust in the electoral process."

MEC Chairperson, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, welcomed the commissioners back noting that their experience and continuity will strengthen the commission's preparedness for the upcoming elections. 

She expects the commissioners to abide by the law when executing duties to ensure free, fair and credible electoral process. 

"That oath of office requires them to work with integrity and to work with independence but also impartially and that is the expectation that as they have done that in their previous tenure they are also going to continue to work under the same conditions as dictated by the law," said Mtalimanja. 

With the reappointments, MEC now comprises six commissioners, including the Chairperson.