Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has stopped functioning following the expiry of the term of office of current commissioners headed by Maxon Mbendera SC.

According to information at hand, the term of current Commissioners expired on May 17, 2016 and President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is expected to appoint new Commissioners soon.

Speaking in an interview with the press, Presidential Press Officer Mgeme Kalirani said Mutharika has received names of possible persons from all Political Parties to be considered on the position.

Kalirani said the appointment has been delayed due to late submission of names by opposition Political Parties.

Last month, Mbendera asked the President to speed up the process of appointing new Commissioners, saying this will help the new team to start preparing for the 2019 general election in good time.

Meanwhile chances are very low that the President may include the current commissioners in the new to team to head MEC.