President reverses appointment of Mayamiko Nkoloma as MEC commissioner over public officer status

By Jones Gadama

In a surprising turn of events, President Lazarus Chakwera has revoked the appointment of Mayamiko Nkoloma as a commissioner of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), citing Nkoloma’s status as a public officer as the reason for ineligibility.

Nkoloma, a telecommunications lecturer at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), was initially appointed on July 24, 2025, following a recommendation by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

However, a letter from Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba to MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja confirmed the reversal due to Nkoloma’s public officer role.

The Democratic Progressive Party has acknowledged the development, with Secretary General Peter Mukhito assuring that the party will submit a new candidate.

“We will follow the due process and submit another name to replace Nkoloma,” Mukhito stated.

This incident has brought to light the eligibility criteria for MEC commissioners, particularly the restrictions surrounding public officers.

The MEC is a vital institution tasked with overseeing national elections, ensuring transparency and credibility.

The reversal underscores the need for clear and consistent application of rules governing appointments to such key positions.

As the nomination period for the upcoming elections continues, stakeholders await the swift appointment of a new commissioner to maintain the commission’s effectiveness.

The success of the upcoming elections hinges on MEC’s ability to operate without disruption, making the timely replacement of Nkoloma critical to preserving confidence in Malawi’s electoral process.