MEC elected into Executive Board of Association of World Election Bodies

* The global network of election management bodies that promotes cooperation, knowledge sharing and credible, inclusive and transparent elections

By Duncan Mlanjira

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has been elected into the Executive Board of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) for a two-year term (2026-2028).

In a statement MEC Director of Media & Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa reports that the elections were held at A-WEB’s 7th General Assembly taking place in Manila, Philippines, from October 13-17.

“A-WEB is a global network of 121 election management bodies (EMBs) from 111 countries, promoting cooperation, knowledge sharing and credible, inclusive and transparent elections,” reports Mwafulirwa.

“Malawi was elected alongside the election management bodies of the DR Congo and Senegal, and the three now join Kenya and Uganda, which were already serving their terms on the Executive Board representing the Africa Region.

“Other election management bodies elected to the board are those of Argentina, Peru, Puerto Rico, Bhutan, Mongolia, Palestine, Indonesia, Samoa and the Philippines, which has also assumed the chairmanship of the Association.”

Mwafulirwa highlights that Malawi’s election to the Executive Board “reinforces MEC’s commitment to international cooperation and strengthening professional, transparent and credible electoral processes worldwide”.

“In addition, it provides Malawi with an opportunity to contribute to A-WEB’s strategic direction and the global elections agenda; and influence discussions on electoral integrity, emerging technologies, public trust and democratic governance.”

This significant recognition follows MEC chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja being chosen to lead SADC’s Electoral Commissions Forum on an observer mission to the Republic of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 General Election.

In June, Malawi — through Mtalimanja’s predecessor, Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale — was also engaged by the ECF-SADC to speak at the 13th New Commissioners Orientation Programme hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa in Johannesburg from June 3-5.