The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it has stopped collecting witness statements in the country`s councils over security concerns on part of its officers.  

According to MEC, the Commission was supposed to collect the witness statements to be presented in court as ordered by the constitution court which is hearing the electoral case.    

MEC`s Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa told YFM in an interview that their officers are being threatened, and others have already been beaten up.

“Due to unconducive atmosphere that has been characterised with violent behaviors towards our staff and lawyers, the Commission has decided to halt this exercise, we are no longer going to the councils to collects any witness statement for our case,”said Mwafulirwa.

Recently, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) issued a statement informing the general public to be vigilant to what the party described it as suspicious behaviour by MEC.

Ever since, MEC officials have been threatened in course of their duty.

However, the MEC spokesperson has expressed dismay at how the Commission has been intimidated by angry communities.

“I should state it clear that it has been unfortunate event that those that are being pursing justice have been in the forefront the disturbing the very same process of justice, we felt as a party that we have been sued we should also be given room for us to collect witness statement and present in court,” wondered Mwafulirwa.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is set to commence hearing the much anticipated electoral case on July 29 this year.