Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has appointed Harris Potani as the acting Chief Elections Officer.

He replaces Sam Alfandika, who resigned last month to join United Nations (UN) as Chief Elections Advisor.

In a statement on Wednesday, MEC Chairperson Justice Chifundo Kachale said Potani’s appointment was with immediate effect.

“Mr Potani is a Deputy Chief Elections Officer (operations) and has been with the Commission for 21 years. He joined the Commission as Elections Service Officer and has been rising through the ranks,” said Justice Kachale.

Meanwhile, MEC is yet to announce dates for by elections in Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, Chikwembere Ward in Blantyre North and Lalanje Ward in Nsanje Lalanje which fell vacant.