Political Science Association of Malawi confers MEC with Outstanding Institution Award

* In recognition of its sustained contribution to Malawi’s democratisation process, its role in electoral governance, and its continued commitment to fulfilling its mandate

* The ability of an institution to continue performing its core functions in a challenging environment represents an important contribution to institutional development and democratic governance

By Duncan Mlanjira

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has been conferred with Outstanding Institution Award by the Political Science Association of Malawi (PSA), in recognition of its sustained contribution to country’s democratisation process, electoral governance and continued fulfillment of its constitutional mandate.

The award was presented during PSA’s 4th Biennial Conference, which was held over the weekend, September 26-27, at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima.

Opened by MEC chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, the conference was held under the theme; ‘Malawi’s Democracy at the Crossroads? Maturing Institutions or a Tailspin into Uncertainty’.

In his citation, chairperson of the PSA Awards Committee, Prof. Yamikani Ndasauka, stated that MEC is at the heart of the country’s democratic and electoral system in its constitutional and institutional responsibilities.

“Over the years, the Commission has operated in an environment characterised by significant institutional, political and operational challenges.

“Despite these challenges, it has continued to discharge its responsibilities and, importantly, has remained focused on its constitutional mandate of managing and administering elections.

“The ability of an institution to continue performing its core functions in a challenging environment represents an important contribution to institutional development and democratic governance.”

The citation further takes cognizance that MEC’s experience thus “provides an important case for understanding both the opportunities and challenges associated with electoral management in Malawi”.

“The work of an electoral management body is particularly important to political science because elections provide a critical institutional mechanism through which citizens participate in democratic governance, political representation and accountability.”

PSA further recognises that MEC’s experience “has also provided an important point of reference for discussions about electoral management and democratic governance within Malawi and the wider region”.

“It is in recognition of this sustained contribution to Malawi’s democratisation process, its role in electoral governance, and its continued commitment to fulfilling its mandate despite the challenges it has encountered over the years, that the Malawi Electoral Commission is being recognised as the Outstanding Institution,” declared Prof. Ndasauka in the citation.

In its vote of appreciation, MEC recognises that “the success of the democratisation process in Malawi has, thus far, been the product of joint efforts of many committed stakeholders and actors”.

“Accordingly, the Commission dedicates the award to all the stakeholders who play various roles in fostering electoral democracy in Malawi.

“This being said, the Commission welcomes the recognition as it will serve as a source of motivation to continue strengthening professionalism, institutional capacity, accountability and electoral management systems in fulfillment of its constitutional mandate,” says MEC in its statement issued by Director of Media & Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa.

In July, the Electoral Integrity Index (PEI) ranked Malawi as among the countries that recorded the most notable improvements in electoral integrity following the successful 2025 General Election.

Published by the Electoral Integrity Project (EIP), the report indicated that Malawi’s PEI score increased from 59 in 2025 to 69 in 2026, representing a 10-point improvement.

It listed Malawi, the Philippines, Poland, Gabon and Egypt as the countries that registered the most significant gains in overall electoral integrity compared to their previous elections.

In the same month of July MEC chairperson Justice Mtalimanja led SADC’s Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF-SADC) Election Observer Mission to the Republic of Zambia’s August 2026 General Elections — reflecting the confidence that ECF-SADC member electoral commissions have in MEC.

It also reaffirmed MEC’s growing contribution to strengthening democratic governance and advancing electoral integrity across the SADC region.