MEC chair no more

Tragedy! Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Maxon Mbendera has died.

This is a developing story, but reports reaching Malawi24 news-desk indicate that Mbendera collapsed during a meeting in Lilongwe this afternoon.

He was pronounced dead upon arrival to the hospital.

“The Chairman was in good health earlier in the day but felt unwell around 11am and was taken to Lilongwe Private Clinic. He died shortly after admission at City Centre Clinic in Lilongwe” said MEC in a statement.

Mbendera, who presided over the 2014 tripartite elections, was accused by the then incumbent, Joyce Banda, of siding with DPP. He wept during the official announcement of the presidential race which Mrs. Banda said were marred by irregularities.

Meanwhile MEC has expressed concern over the sudden death of Justice Mbendera. Justice Mbendera was born Nov 4, 1958.

“The Commission will miss his leadership. Our prayer filled thoughts of peace and comfort go out to his family and all those deeply grieved by his passing”

Justice Mbendera SC was appointed Chairman of the Malawi Electoral Commission on 10th October, 2012. His four year term was due to end on 9th  October, 2016.