A question of Impartiality: Why Justice Annabel Mtalimanja Must Recuse Herself as MEC Chairperson

By Twink Jones Gadama

As Malawi gears up for future elections, the appointment of Justice Annabel Mtalimanja as the new Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has raised eyebrows.

While her legal expertise and experience as a High Court Judge are undeniable, her close ties to the ruling party and its leaders raise serious concerns about her impartiality.

Justice Mtalimanja’s appointment by former President Joyce Banda, now a close ally of President Lazarus Chakwera, and her connection to the late JZU Tembo, a former Malawi Congress Party President, cast a shadow on her ability to remain neutral in the electoral process.

Moreover, her partnership with Andrew Mpesi, a former special advisor to President Chakwera, further compromises her independence.

As a judge, Justice Mtalimanja has sworn to uphold the law and ensure justice is served.

However, her close relationships with key political figures and her new role as MEC Chairperson create a conflict of interest. In the courtroom, judges recuse themselves from cases where they have personal connections to ensure impartiality.

Similarly, Justice Mtalimanja must recuse herself as MEC Chairperson to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.

Malawi deserves free, fair, and credible elections.

To ensure this, the MEC Chairperson must be beyond reproach, with no ties to any political party or leader.

Justice Mtalimanja’s appointment, though well-intentioned, undermines the principles of impartiality and transparency.

For the sake of democracy, she must step down and allow a more neutral candidate to take the reins.