Malawi Electoral Commission Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi has resigned from his position following mounting pressure after the 2025 General Election, according to Nyasa Times. The commission announced on May 27 that Mpesi submitted his resignation letter on May 24 and will serve a three-month notice period before officially stepping down on August 21. While the commission praised his role in implementing electoral legal reforms, political observers noted the departure comes after intense scrutiny from political stakeholders and civil society groups over the handling of the recent polls.
In parliamentary developments, Ombudsman Grace Malera revealed a severe funding crisis and administrative resistance within her office, reporting that government ministries and departments are ignoring legally binding rulings. Nyasa Times reports that during her appearance before the Public Accounts Committee, Malera disclosed that only nine of the 22 determinations issued in the 2025/26 financial year were implemented. She further stated that her office is battling a K300 million operational budget deficit and owes suppliers K166 million, which she warned is threatening service delivery.
Meanwhile, the parliamentary inquiry into the Malawi Defence Force Dornier aircraft crash has taken a new turn, according to Nyasa Times. Former Minister of Information and Member of Parliament Moses Kunkuyu publicly requested that the Defence and Security Committee question him first regarding his past remarks about the aircraft's flight data recorders, commonly known as black boxes. Kunkuyu stated the inquiry must deliver answers to bring closure to the bereaved families.
On the economic and development fronts, Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha assured the public that the government will not discuss currency devaluation during upcoming rescue negotiations with the International Monetary Fund scheduled for June, Nyasa Times reports. In a separate announcement, Minister of Local Government Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri confirmed that the newly reformed Constituency Development Fund will officially roll out in July 2026. The programme will introduce new accountability measures and detailed operational guidelines covering procurement and community participation.