By-election ballot papers jet in
Some 15 000 ballot papers for local government by-elections at Mwasa Ward in Mangochi and Chilaweni Ward in Blantyre arrived in the country on Friday.
Of the total, 11 000 ballot papers are for Chilaweni Ward while 4 000 are for Mwasa Ward.
Speaking during the arrival of ballot papers at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja said the ballot papers will be kept at a warehouse in the Capital City.
She said: “The van will remain in the warehouse until 19th July 2024 at 9am when it will be opened.
“Party and candidates’ agents will be invited to verify the seal numbers before opening. This process will proceed should there be no party or candidate representative on time.”
Mtalimanja, who was accompanied by various stakeholders, including political party representatives to witness the arrival of the ballots, commended political parties in both wards for conducting a peaceful campaign.
Leadership Youth Compassion Party representative Kondwani Kamaliza said he was satisfied with how the ballot papers had were handled on arrival.
He added that his party will continue with a peaceful campaign on the ground.
The by-elections are being conducted following the deaths of Edna Yusuf Jose of Mwasa Ward in August 2022, and Carol M’dala of Chilaweni Ward on March 22 2023.
