Malawi Leader Appoints New Electoral Chief

Malawi’s president, Peter Mutharika has appointed a new electoral commission chairperson ahead of a presidential re-run.

In February, the constitutional court had ordered a fresh presidential election be held within 150 days after annulling last year’s re-election of president Mutharika – a ruling upheld by the supreme court.

The former commission chairperson Jane Ansah resigned amid criticism by the opposition on how she managed the disputed election.

On Sunday, president Mutharika appointed Justice Chifundo Kachale to head the commission and new commissioners.

Members of parliament are due to meet to decide on the exact date of the election one of the proposed dates is 23 June.