Parliament has commenced the recruitment process for a Commissioner of the Independent Complaints Commission for the Judiciary, with applications expected to close on 27 September.
The recruitment is aimed at filling a key position in the commission, which is mandated to receive and investigate complaints concerning members of the Judicial Service.
Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Appointments Committee, Felix Njawala, told The Truth Online that the committee expects to complete the recruitment process by the end of October.
Njawala said the committee will proceed with the necessary stages of the recruitment process after receiving applications from qualified candidates.
The position has attracted attention because of the important role the Independent Complaints Commission for the Judiciary plays in promoting accountability within the Judicial Service.
Meanwhile, National Anti-Corruption Alliance Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa has called for the recruitment process to be based on merit.
Kaiyatsa said the importance of the commission’s mandate makes it necessary for the successful candidate to have the required qualifications, experience and professional integrity.
According to Parliament, applicants for the position must meet specific professional requirements set out under the relevant law.
Among other qualifications, the Commissioner must be or have been a Judge, or be entitled to practise as a legal practitioner for not less than ten years.
The Independent Complaints Commission for the Judiciary was established under Section 27 of the Judicial Service Administration Act of 2024.
The commission is empowered to receive and investigate complaints from members of the public or any authority against any person employed in the Judicial Service.
The recruitment and appointment of a substantive Commissioner is therefore expected to strengthen the commission’s capacity to carry out its mandate and provide a formal mechanism for addressing complaints within Malawi’s judiciary.
