The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has said it has not made any resolution to relocate its headquarters from Lilongwe to Blantyre, maintaining it will continue operating from its current base pending the resolution of ongoing constitutional issues.
In a statement dated April 8, 2026, MEC stated that the position follows its review of a ruling by the High Court of Malawi, which dismissed its application for judicial review challenging Executive Order No. 1 on procedural grounds without addressing the substantive constitutional questions.
The Commission said it has since resolved to take further legal steps to ensure the matter is conclusively addressed, stressing that the issues raised touch on its independence as provided for under the Constitution and the Malawi Electoral Commission Act.
“On this premise, the Commission has resolved that the issues, being constitutional in nature, must be properly and definitively determined by the Court. In this regard, the Commission is taking appropriate legal steps to ensure that these matters are conclusively determined,” reads the statement.
MEC also disclosed that it convened on April 2 to assess the implications of the court ruling, reiterating that no formal decision has been taken to move its headquarters.
“The Commission advises that it has not made any resolution to relocate its Head Office from Lilongwe to Blantyre,” added the Commission.
“To safeguard its integrity, continuity, and independence, the Commission will continue to operate from its current Head Office in Lilongwe pending the determination of these constitutional issues.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has communicated that it will not renew the lease for Chisankho House, the Commission’s current offices.
MEC, however, says it will continue occupying the premises to ensure continuity of operations and safeguard its institutional independence.
The Commission has assured the public that it remains committed to discharging its constitutional mandate impartially and without interference, and will keep stakeholders updated on further developments.
