Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Maxon Mbendera has asked President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to act with speed in appointing new commissioners’, saying this will help the new reign to fully prepare for the 2019 general elections.

Mbendera’s remarks follow news that the term for current commissioners’ expires in May next month.

Speaking to the press on Monday in Blantyre, Mbendera said commissioners, including himself were available for reappointment for another five year term.

“The commissioners are available should the government decide to reappoint them for another term but this should be done as soon as possible so that preparations for the 2019 elections starts,” said Mbendera.

Recently President Mutharika criticized MEC Commissioners’ for being on the forefront in the plunder of funds where money amounting to MK1.5 billion was swindled.

But Mbendera trashed the claims, saying the Audit report was not final.