Malawians on Tuesday will vote in the tripartite election but government has refused to declare the Election Day a public holiday.
Chief Secretary to the Government Lloyd Muhara said this following a request by rights activists to declare the day a public holiday.
“Polling Day is not Gazetted as a Public Holiday in Malawi. As such, 21st May 2019 will not be a Public Holiday.
“However, Heads of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies are hereby requested to put in place proper arrangements for employees to go and cast their votes while ensuring that there is no disruption to public service delivery, especially delivery of essential services,” Muhara said.
He further appealed to all employers, throughout the country, to allow their employees to cast their votes at their respective Polling Stations.
During the polls, Malawians will choose a president, members of parliament and ward councillors.
Candidates for the presidential polls are Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive Party, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party, Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front, Peter Kuwani of Mbakuwaku Movement for Democracy, John Chisi of Umodzi Party, Saulos Chilima of UTM and Independent Candidate Reverend Kaliya.
Voting day is a special day in such that it must be declared as a public holiday, because people will not take that day serious if the government says the people must go to vote while they have to go to work on the other hand. I am shocked that someone is referring to the gazette instead of using common sense.The president is the one who should declare the day as a public holiday.
If it is me,I rather go to work and make money for that day than to go to vote where I cannot get paid.
Very shame!