News

Kasaila resigns as MEC commissioner, citing personal ground

By Jones Gadama

Francis Kasaila, a commissioner with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), has resigned from his position, citing personal grounds. The resignation, which was confirmed by MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, comes at a time when the country is gearing up for general elections.

According to Mwafulirwa, Kasaila’s resignation letter was dated April 23, 2025, and the commissioner’s decision aligns with constitutional and legal provisions that allow for resignation by submitting a written notice to the President. The MEC is now comprised of five members and the Chairperson, but Mwafulirwa assured the public that the commission still meets the legal threshold for a quorum, requiring a minimum of four commissioners to carry out official duties.

Kasaila



Kasaila’s resignation has raised questions about the timing and potential implications for the electoral process. Some have expressed concerns about the commission’s fairness and integrity ahead of the elections. George Phiri, a political analyst, noted that Malawians have been expressing concerns about the commissioners and the MEC chairperson, and the recent resignation has only added to the uncertainty.

Background and Implications

Kasaila’s resignation comes on the heels of controversy surrounding his name being missing from the voters’ roll. In March 2025, it was reported that Kasaila and his spouse were unable to transfer their voter registration due to their names not being found in the MEC database. The incident raised concerns about the reliability of the digital registration system and potential disenfranchisement.

The MEC has faced criticism in the past, particularly following the 2019 presidential election, which was nullified by the Supreme Court due to widespread irregularities. The court found the MEC and its chairperson, Jane Ansah, incompetent, leading to calls for her resignation. Ansah eventually stepped down in May 2020, citing respect for the rule of law.²

MEC’s Credibility and Independence

The MEC’s credibility and independence have been under scrutiny, with some questioning whether the commission can conduct free and fair elections. Kasaila’s resignation has only added to the uncertainty, and some have called for further resignations from the commission.

In recent months, the MEC chairperson, Dr. Anabel Mtalimanja, has faced criticism for alleged bias and incompetence. Some have called for her resignation, citing concerns about the commission’s ability to conduct credible elections. Mtalimanja, however, has shown no signs of backing down, emphasizing the MEC’s role in ensuring electoral integrity.

Kasaila’s Legacy

Before his resignation, Kasaila had been advocating for non-partisanship among MEC officials, stressing the importance of treating all Malawians equally, regardless of their political affiliations. In a training session for MEC officials in May 2024, Kasaila emphasized the need for impartiality and respect for electoral laws.

As Kasaila departs from the MEC, his legacy and impact on the commission’s work remain to be seen. The MEC will need to navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

In conclusion, Kasaila’s resignation has significant implications for the MEC and the country’s electoral process. As the general elections approach, the commission will need to work hard to restore public trust and ensure a credible and transparent process.

Tags

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Close