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Chifundo Jairus Kachale
Chifundo Jairus Kachale is a Malawian lawyer and jurist, known for his exemplary career in public service and his dedication to fostering accountability and transparency in government institutions.
Early Life and Education.
Born on January 4th, 1975, in Ndirande Township, Blantyre, Malawi, Chifundo Jairus Kachale's early education began at Chichiri Full Primary School from 1979 to 1987 and thereafter Ndirande Primary School from 1987 to 1989, where he laid the foundation for his academic journey. Following his outstanding performance, he was selected to attend Kamuzu Academy for his secondary education where he attended from 1989 to 1995.
He was initially selected to attend the Malawi Polytechnic (now the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences) to pursue a Bachelor of Accountancy due to the delayed opening of Chancellor College that year, where he was awaiting admission into the Law program. During his second year at the Malawi Polytechnic, he was admitted to the Bachelor of Laws program at Chancellor College, University of Malawi, where he earned his LLB (Hons) in 2000, establishing the foundation for his legal career. He further advanced his legal expertise by obtaining an LLM in Law and Development from Queen Mary, University of London, in 2005, deepening his understanding of legal frameworks within developmental contexts.
He was initially selected to the Malawi Polytechnic (changed its name to the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences) to pursue a Bachelor of Accountancy, due to the delayed opening of Chancellor College that year, as he awaited admission into Law school. Whilst in his second year at the Malawi Polytechnic, he was admitted into the Bachelor of Laws program, and he obtained his LLB (Hons) from Chancellor College, University of Malawi, in 2000, laying the groundwork for his legal career. Subsequently, he pursued an LLM in Law and Development at Queen Mary, University of London, in 2005, further enriching his understanding of legal frameworks within developmental contexts.
Kachale earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, in 2013. His doctoral research delved into Constitutionalism and Judicial Methodology, with a specific focus on analyzing the impact of judicial activism on fostering a culture of constitutionalism in emerging democracies. He emphasized the critical need for deliberate training of judicial officers to ensure the development of jurisprudence that is adaptive to evolving democratic landscapes while upholding contextual legitimacy.
Professional Career:
Drawing inspiration from his mother, who dedicated her life to public education as a school teacher, Kachale embarked on a path of public service upon graduating with a law degree from the University of Malawi. His commitment to serving the nation led him to join the Malawi Judiciary as a Senior Resident Magistrate in March 2004. Through dedication and exemplary performance, he ascended through the ranks to his current position as a High Court Judge, where he oversees the Commercial Division of the Lilongwe Registry.
Chairman of Malawi Electoral Commission:
In the wake of a disputed presidential election held in May 2019, the Constitutional Court, comprising a five-judge panel, nullified the election results on February 3, 2020. The court ordered a fresh election to be conducted within 150 days, a decision that was upheld by the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal following an appeal by the defendants. Subsequently, on May 21, 2021, Dr. Jane Ansah SC, the then Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission, resigned, citing her commitment to the rule of law as the impetus for her resignation.
On June 7, 2020, President Arthur Peter Mutharika appointed Kachale as the Chairman of the Malawi Electoral Commission. Tasked with managing a Fresh Presidential Election, Kachale assumed his role amidst significant time constraints. However, he and his team exhibited unwavering diligence and professionalism, ensuring a seamless electoral process. Their efforts culminated in a peaceful transition of power following the June 23, 2020, elections. His tenure as the Chairperson of Malawi’s elections management body ended on 7th June 2024.
Personal Life
Kachale is married to Mary Phikiso, whom he met during their time studying law at the University of Malawi. Mary is also a distinguished lawyer who gained prominence during her tenure as the Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice. Notably, she served as the chief prosecutor in the high-profile 2013 Malawi cashgate scandal. Presently, Mary holds the position of Principal Secretary (Legal) in Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Together, they have two daughters and a son.