Abide by code of conduct, says MEC

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has urged political parties and aspiring members of Parliament for Dedza Central to abide by the code of conduct during the campaign ahead of the by-election slated for November 16 2023.

MEC chairperson Chifundo Kachale made the call on Saturday in the district during the launch of campaign and presentation of electoral calendar.

He warned that MEC will not tolerate any move that undermines its obligation to provide free and fair elections.

Kachale, who is a judge of the High Court of Malawi, advised the contestants and political parties to refrain from attempting to rig the election or insult each other during the campaign.

He said: “We know the exact number of voters registered here and any anomaly will be noticed.

“Again, this time around, the law has been revised; you could be prosecuted if your conduct on the political podium is going beyond what the law permits.”

Kachale, therefore, advised all interested parties to focus on issue-based campaigning, saying castigating other people is now against the law.

“Let me also appeal to electoral stakeholders to help sensitise the electorate to some of the changes that have been made, like the voting time which has changed to start from 6am to 4pm,” he said.

Dedza district commissioner Thomas Chigwenembe advised members of the District Elections Supervisory Team and other electoral stakeholders to work together for a smooth electoral process.

The by-election follows the death of Daniel Chiwere in July this year.