CSEIF Condemns Sealing of MEC Warehouse, Warns of Threat to Electoral Independence

The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has strongly condemned the sealing of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) warehouse at Njewa in Lilongwe over unpaid rent, warning that the incident exposes deeper threats to the independence of constitutional institutions in Malawi.

In a statement released Monday, CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said the move to lock MEC out of its operational facility over “pending Government approval” for lease renewal is “profoundly disturbing” and risks undermining public trust ahead of elections.

“You Cannot Starve the Electoral Commission and Expect Democracy to Flourish,” Kondowe said.

CSEIF said it does not blame the landlord, noting that a private business cannot be expected to finance the operations of a constitutional body. “A landlord is in business, not in public administration. No private citizen or business should be expected to finance the operations of a constitutional institution by carrying unpaid rent. Government and MEC have a legal and moral duty to honour their contractual obligations,” the statement reads.

However, the Forum argued the issue extends beyond rental arrears. “This is about whether Malawi is prepared to protect the independence of the institution that protects the people’s vote,” CSEIF said.

CSEIF expressed concern that the MEC is increasingly operating “under institutional pressure,” citing funding delays and administrative bottlenecks. The group said the image of the country’s election management body being locked out of its warehouse is “more than embarrassing” and sends a “dangerous message that constitutional institutions can be weakened, not by law, but by bureaucracy.”

The Forum warned that both the reality and perception of a weakened MEC erode public confidence in the electoral process and could damage Malawi’s relationship with development partners who support its democratic processes. “Whether real or perceived, any action that diminishes the Commission’s independence, dignity or operational capacity erodes public confidence in the electoral process,” the statement said.

CSEIF has called on Government to immediately release outstanding approvals and resources, and urged MEC to promptly settle its contractual obligations. “Disrupting the Commission’s operations create uncertainty among stakeholders and undermine public confidence in the country’s electoral processes,” Kondowe said.

The Forum emphasized that protecting democracy requires consistent support for MEC, not just during election periods. “Democracy is not defended on polling day alone. It is defended every day by ensuring that the Electoral Commission is independent, respected, adequately funded and fully operational,” the statement said.

“Today it is a sealed warehouse. Tomorrow it could be a compromised election. Malawi cannot afford either.”

CSEIF concluded that both Government and MEC have a “constitutional and fiduciary duty” to ensure the Commission is adequately resourced, obligations are honored without delay, and its independence “remains beyond question.”