MEC in financial crisis

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is waiting for funding from government for the body to hold by-elections in Mchinji West constituency before the expiry of its commissioner’s terms of office on 18 May this year.

The electoral body says it has come up with a calendar for the by-elections which are scheduled to take place on May 10 and it is engaging authorities for funding.

MEC Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said if the money is found in time the body will hold the by-elections.

“It has always been the commitment of the Commission to conduct by-elections as soon as possible so that citizens in areas where a vacancy has arisen should have representation either in Parliament or the Local Council,” said Mwafulirwa.

According to its provisional calendar for Mchinji West by-elections, Mec is expected to receive nomination papers of candidates on 19 April and the official campaign period will begin on 20 April.

Recently, Mec chairperson Maxon Mbendera expressed hope that government will provide the funding soon to avoid delays.  

It is not clear how much money the commission need for the by-elections but the body spent K200 million during the by-elections last year in Zomba Chisi constituency, Ntope ward in Mchinji and Ngala ward in Lilongwe.

Mchinji West constituency became vacant following the death of Malawi Congress Party Member of Parliament Billy Kanjira on March 13.