Mathanga, Kunje Demand Chakwera to Give Them Employment Letters

Two commissioners for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Linda Kunje and Jean Mathanga have asked the High court to order President Lazarus Chakwera to give them their employment letters.

The two have also asked the court to order, the country’s electoral body MEC to give them their benefits, allowances and honoraria dating back to 7 June, 2020.

According to Lozindaba Mbvundula, Public relations officer for Ritz Attorneys at Law, which representing the two confirmed that the two appeared before the court on Thursday where they sought declaratory orders.

A declaratory order refers to a judgment that sets out rights and obligations existing between parties to a dispute and dispels doubts about a party’s rights or obligations which may be uncertain before the issuance of the order.

According to Mbvundula, the two commissioners have argued that Chakwera is duty bound to offer them their employment letters since they were duly appointed as commissioners for a four-year-term.

She added that the two also argued that MEC is obligated to comply with the President’s appointment by paying them their benefits.

Meanwhile, President Chakwera through the office of the attorney has asked for more time to respond arguing that they need a three months’ notice.

But MEC told they court that they do not dispute the application but their hands are tied because of the absence of the letters of appointment.

Meanwhile, the court has given them 14days to file their submissions.