MEC worried with monitors’ failure to record complaints

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is satisfied with progress of voter verification exercise for November 10 by-elections in Mangochi North East constituency despite a court injunction obtained by independent candidate Martin Sekati Niño to stop fresh registration.

MEC Chairperson Justice Chifundo Kachale made the remark after visiting the constituency’s several centres to monitor progress of the exercise.

“The commission feared eligible voters might be confused with the injunction but going through their daily records, everything is moving well,” said Kachale

He, however, expressed worry over monitors’ failure to record complaints in challenge appeal books, revealing that of all the 5 centres he visited no monitor recorded the complaints.

In his remarks district’s National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Public Trust said Kachale’s visit helped to detect some challenges which the commission can work on.

Meanwhile, Karonga district Multiparty Liaison Committee (MPLC) has challenged aspiring candidates of Parliamentary by-election in Karonga Central Constituency to do their campaign peacefully in order to avoid disappointments and humiliations after the polls.

The call was made when Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) facilitated a meeting to review electoral calendar and iron out some differences noted during voter registration exercise and campaign currently underway in readiness for November 10 by election.

The appeal also comes against the background of allegations of registration of minors by National Registration Bureau NRB and campaign that has so far been characterized by counter accusations by two main political parties in Tonse Alliance government, UTM and MCP supporters.

Speaking National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust Regional Education Officer Vincent Kalawa said political violence, mudslinging and character assassination during campaign do not benefit anyone in society, adding electorates want to hear development agenda that would change their livelihood for the better.

“Candidates should not incite violence, dwell on issue based campaign and not use the youth to wreak havoc on their opponents,” Kalawa said

On his part, CMD executive director Kizito Tenthani, echoed Kalawa’s sentiments, saying candidates and political party leaders should package their manifestos in an appetizing manner instead of wasting time on pity issues.

However, the meeting could not end without drama as political party leaders quarreled but Traditional Authority (TA) Kalonga calmed down the situation.

The bone of contention was when UTM Party candidate Frank Mwenifumbo asked the house to stop political parties that are in Tonse Alliance from campaigning, arguing that the agreement in the coalition is not extended to Parliamentary campaign