Fresh push for judicial reforms

Malawi Law Society (MLS) and other stakeholders have challenged the newly reconstituted Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to hit the ground running by resuscitating stalled judicial reforms and accountability issues. President Peter Mutharika has reconstituted the commission after over a year without the key oversight body for the Judiciary. He said the new commission should also move with urgency to address pressing institutional and governance matters that have remained outstanding during the prolonged gap.

Mmame said MLS also expects the commission to expedite investigations and process pending complaints against judicial officers, including complaints submitted by the public following the commission’s public call for complaints in October 2024. In his reaction, human rights lawyer Alexious Kamangila said the appointment of the JSC comes at a time when the integrity and independence of public institutions remain under close scrutiny from both legal experts and civil society organisations. The appointees were carefully selected to elevate the Judiciary through adherence to accountability- and competence-based leadership within the Judiciary.

It is now time to work and show results. Incompetence and corruption should become things of the past as they relate to the Judiciary,” he said. Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament chairperson Gilbert Khonyongwa, a private practice lawyer, in a separate interview hailed the composition, describing it as a complete team of people of integrity.

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“These are men and women of integrity and I am confident that they will discharge their duties with professionalism and honour. I wish them all the best as they serve the people of Malawi,” he said. National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe also said the appointment of the commission enhances the credibility of the country’s judicial system, adding that the expectation is that the members will serve with integrity. Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi said in a statement issued on Wednesday night that the commission will be chaired by the Chief Justice in line with the Constitution and includes judicial officers, legal practitioners and representatives from the public service and academia.

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