Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has said ballot papers for the March 17 parliamentary and local government by-elections will arrive in the country next week.
MEC commissioner Richard Chapweteka said this on Saturday in Mponela, Dowa during orientation of presiding officers for various wards and constituencies in the country.
He ruled out fears that the conflict in the Middle East would affect the by-elections in the country.
Said Chapweteka: “We are very ready for the elections. Actually, one thing that remains is the delivery of ballot papers which will be coming next week. Printing of ballot papers finished four days ago so by now the ballots are ready for dispatch.
“We have already taken some measures. Initially we had planned to ship the ballots through Emirates flight. So we are using a different flight and the process will not be disrupted.”
He advised the presiding officers to be careful in handling the ballot papers and avoid the use of correction fluid to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
Chapweteka also asked the presiding officers to work in line with the laws of Malawi in the discharge of their duties.
Lizzie Ngwira, a presiding officer for Liwaladzi Constituency in Nkhotakota, said she was ready to discharge her duties in accordance with the law.
Disruptions in the Middle East following US and Israel attacks on Iran last week created uncertainty about the delivery of ballots for the March 17 2026 parliamentary and local government by-elections due to suspension of flights.
MEC director of media and public relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the ballot papers will be printed by Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing, an internationally recognised security printer in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
But while acknowledging the advisory on the suspension of Emirates flights responsible for carrying the ballot papers, he expressed optimism that flight could resume in time.
MEC will conduct parliamentary by-elections in Dedza Mtakataka, Blantyre West, Rumphi Central and Nkhotakota Liwaladzi constituencies.
On the other hand, local government by-elections will be held in Ighembe Ward in Karonga Songwe Constituency, Luwinga Ward in Mzuzu City North Constituency, Linthembwe Ward in Dowa Ngala Constituency, Chilobwe Ward in Lilongwe Chilobwe Constituency, Msitu Ward in Mchinji South Constituency, Mikongo Ward in Mangochi North East Constituency, Chanda Ward in Zomba Chikomwe Constituency, Chirunga Ward in Zomba City North Constituency and Muonekera Ward in Thyolo Goliati Constituency.
