MEC ordered to vacate Lilongwe offices as court upholds relocation to Blantyre

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is facing mounting pressure to vacate its current headquarters at Development House in Lilongwe following the expiry of an office accommodation offer, in a development that underscores the consequences of its resistance to a presidential directive to relocate to Blantyre.

The eviction notice, issued by MPICO plc on behalf of Capital Developments Limited (CDL), comes amid a recent court ruling that dismissed MEC’s legal challenge against the executive order mandating its relocation.

In a letter dated May 20, 2026, addressed to MEC Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mpesi, MPICO plc General Manager Stella Sokosa stated that the commission had failed to respond to an earlier accommodation offer issued on April 27, 2026. According to the letter, the offer valid for 14 days expired on May 10, 2026, without any formal response from MEC.

“As a result, the offer has lapsed, and the commission is hereby requested to vacate the premises,” reads part of the communication, effectively ending MEC’s occupancy at Development House.

The eviction coincides with a significant legal setback for MEC after the High Court dismissed its application challenging an executive order issued by President Peter Mutharika, directing the commission to move its headquarters to Blantyre.

In its ruling, the court held that the executive directive was lawful and fell within the administrative authority of the presidency. The judges further noted that MEC had not provided sufficient legal grounds to justify halting or overturning the order. 

The court emphasized that public institutions are expected to comply with lawful government directives unless successfully overturned through due legal process something MEC failed to achieve in this case.

The convergence of the court ruling and the eviction notice places MEC in a difficult position, forcing it to act swiftly regarding its operational future.

Thomas Chirwa, a political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam Tanzania has told Malawi24 that the commission’s failure to respond to the accommodation offer, coupled with its unsuccessful court challenge, reflects a breakdown in administrative decision-making at a critical time.

“The situation demonstrates the risks of defying executive directives without securing legal backing, in Lilongwe now MEC must deal with both legal and logistical consequences”, said Chirwa.

The immediate concern remains where and how MEC will continue its operations after vacating Development House. With election-related activities requiring continuity and stability, any disruption could have wider implications for the country’s democratic processes.

While the relocation to Blantyre is now effectively backed by the courts, questions remain about whether adequate infrastructure and preparations are in place to support the commission’s transition.

The unfolding developments mark a turning point for MEC, highlighting the intersection of law, governance, and institutional accountability. 

With the court having spoken and the eviction notice now in force, the commission faces a narrow path forward to comply with the relocation order and reorganize its operations, or risk further operational and legal complications.

As the deadline to vacate looms, all eyes remain on MEC’s next move and how it will navigate one of the most consequential administrative challenges in its recent history.