Drivers engaged by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) during the recent electoral period have voiced frustration over delays and unpaid balances for services rendered.
A group of the affected drivers gathered at the gate of MEC’s Blantyre offices to demand answers from officials concerning the prolonged delay in the disbursement of their payments.
Many of the drivers claim they have waited for months without receiving their full wages despite several assurances from the Commission.
Speaking to Times360 Malawi, one of the drivers, Samuel Malembo, revealed that the MEC had agreed to pay each driver K1.2 million for their work during the election period.
However, Malembo said he only received K720,000, leaving a balance of K480,000 that remains unsettled.
“When I ask the MEC officials about it, they say it was a first-phase payment,” Malembo explained.
He further stated that some of his colleagues had not received any payment at all and were only being told that the matter was still being sorted out.
The drivers expressed disappointment, saying the delay has caused significant financial strain on their families, especially since many of them relied on the payment to settle personal and business obligations.
Some drivers have also accused MEC of lacking transparency in handling their payments, claiming that communication from the Commission has been slow and inconsistent.
In response to the mounting complaints, MEC Spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa acknowledged the existence of delays but attributed them to several administrative factors.
He explained that some drivers failed to submit their complete information to district-based payment officers, which has complicated the verification process.
According to Mwafulirwa, others provided incorrect or invalid bank account details, leading to bounced transactions and further delays in processing payments.
He reassured the concerned drivers that the Commission is working to resolve all outstanding payment issues as soon as possible.
Mwafulirwa also urged all affected individuals to contact MEC offices at their respective local councils to confirm or correct their payment information.
He emphasized that the Commission is committed to ensuring that everyone who worked during the election receives what they are owed in full.
Meanwhile, some drivers have expressed skepticism, saying this is not the first time the Commission has cited administrative problems as a reason for delayed payments.
They argue that the repeated delays undermine confidence in the Commission’s ability to manage logistics and finances effectively during electoral processes.
The situation has also raised questions about accountability and financial management within MEC, particularly regarding the handling of allowances and contract payments for temporary staff.
Observers have noted that such payment disputes could affect the Commission’s relationship with contractors and temporary workers in future electoral exercises.
Some civil society organizations have urged MEC to establish clearer mechanisms for payment verification and faster communication channels to prevent similar disputes in upcoming elections.
As the affected drivers continue to push for their full compensation, the incident highlights broader challenges in managing human resources and logistics in national election operations.
For many of the drivers, the wait continues — with hope that MEC will soon deliver on its commitment and restore trust among those who play a vital role in ensuring smooth electoral processes across Malawi.
