MEC questions police audit probe

MEC has pushed back against a police probe into its officers, questioning why it was investigated before responding to audit concerns.

The Malawi Police Service’s Fiscal and Fraud Section visited MEC’s head office in Lilongwe on July 24 to investigate issues contained in the audit report. During the visit, the officers questioned some members of the commission’s staff.

In a statement, MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the commission was concerned that the questioning took place before its management had been allowed to clarify issues raised during the audit process.

Mwafulirwa said the audit covered the commission’s operations from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2026, and was conducted between April 7 and May 12 this year.

He said MEC had not yet received a preliminary audit report, which would normally allow the commission to submit responses, explanations, clarifications and supporting documents before the report was finalised.

Mwafulirwa: MEC will communicate its stand

According to the statement, auditors briefed MEC management on preliminary observations during an exit meeting held on May 12 after completing the audit exercise and indicated that a preliminary report would subsequently be issued.

“The commission has since engaged the relevant authorities to communicate its position and seek clarification on the recent developments, while reaffirming its commitment to due process,” reads part of the statement.

MEC said it is seeking clarification from the relevant authorities as investigations into the audit-related matters continue.