Electoral Commission chair resigns

With the November 27 polls drawing closer, NONM’s electoral process has been thrown into the spotlight after the chairperson of its Electoral Commission resigned at a crucial stage of the race.

Paid-up members of the National Organization of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (NONM) are expected to elect new office bearers on November 27 to lead the organisation for the next term.

However, as the electoral process enters crucial time, NONM’s Electoral Commission Chairperson George Nkhoma has stepped down from his position.

A communication we have seen from the NONM Executive Director Chifundo Zimba to members indicates that Nkhoma cited personal reasons for his resignation.

NONM has since appointed Thyangathyanga from the Water Trade Union (WTA) as the new chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

While the resignation has been attributed to personal reasons, its timing has raised questions among some members and stakeholders ahead of the elections.

In an interview with this publication, former NONM president Dorothy Ngoma, who served from 2010 to 2018, said the coming election is particularly important as members prepare to choose a new leadership team.

Ngoma said the Electoral Commission has an important role in ensuring that the election is free, fair and credible.

She, however, questioned the circumstances surrounding Nkhoma’s resignation at this stage of the electoral process.

“If he had issues, he should have resigned earlier and given the nurses time to come together, discuss and decide the way forward,” she said.

Ngoma said the timing could affect confidence in the electoral process, particularly among members who may want clarity on why the change was made.

Ngoma, however, stressed that she could not confirm allegations circulating on social media suggesting that the change was linked to attempts to influence the election.

She said such claims, whether true or false, could create suspicion among members and undermine confidence in the electoral process.

“People are asking questions and some are even saying these people want to steal the vote,” she said.

Ngoma said the organisation should therefore address concerns surrounding the Electoral Commission before the November polls.

She added that members who feel the process is compromised could explore available avenues for seeking redress.

“It worries me because we live in a time where everybody is expecting a free and fair election,” she said.

Ngoma further urged NONM members to take an active role in the elections, saying the credibility of the process ultimately depends on their participation and vigilance.