Mec commissioner alleges intimidation

A Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) Commissioner has accused the institution’s union leadership of intimidation and harassment after representatives delivered a demand letter for a meeting at her private residence.

Commissioner Limbikani Sarah Kamlongera says the move breached established administrative procedures and compromised her personal security, escalating tensions within the electoral body already under pressure over its unresolved dispute with the Executive arm of the government.

The Mec Union Leadership had, in a memorandum dated September 21, 2026, demanded a meeting with the full commission within seven working days to discuss concerns affecting staff and operations of the institution.

The demand followed a members’ meeting held on September 15 and a general staff meeting on September 18, attended physically by employees at Mec headquarters in Lilongwe and virtually by staff from regional and district offices.

According to communication from the union, employees were concerned about the relationship between the Executive and Mec and the probable impact of the dispute on the commission’s operations.

The union said previous responses from the Mec Chairperson had failed to provide clear commitments or practical measures to address the concerns.

“Staff further noted the absence of clear commitments and practical measures to resolve the issues presented,” reads the memorandum signed by union president Edward Kalonga and vice-president Sylvester Luka.

The union subsequently resolved to seek a meeting with the entire commission to allow employees to engage directly with commissioners.

However, Kamlongera has rejected the manner in which the demand was delivered.

In her response, she acknowledges the union’s constitutional right to organise, under Section 31 of the Constitution, but says the decision to deliver the memorandum at her home was unacceptable.

She accuses the union of bypassing the Mec Secretariat and sending individuals to her private residence to serve the document.

“Approaching a constitutional officer’s private dwelling to serve an ultimatum constitutes intimidation and harassment,” Kamlongera says.

She says the matter had been reported to the Mec Head of Security for referral to the Malawi Police Service.

Kamlongera also objects to the union’s seven-working-day deadline, describing it as an “unlawful ultimatum”.

She cites Section 76(2) of the Constitution and Section 6 of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act, which provide for protection relating to the independence of the commission.

The commissioner has since directed union leaders to stop contacting or approaching her at her private residence.

She has also demanded an unconditional written apology, copied to the commission’s plenary, by noon on Friday, September 25.

Kamlongera further says she will not participate in, or support, any plenary meeting requested by the union until the alleged procedural violations have been addressed.

However, the union maintains that its request was intended to promote dialogue and transparency over matters affecting employees and the effective functioning of Mec.